Genital Warts Symptom

Genital wart is a common sexually transmitted viral disease. It is transmitted by a family of viruses called human papilloma viruses. There are several strains causing different venereal and contagious diseases. Genital warts are one among them. It includes formation of flat, pinkish-red lesions like outgrowth that might be in clusters or occur in single form. They are pedunculated or at times sessile. There is no gender biases, this can occur to both men and women in the age group of 15-40 years. The virus is transmitted through skin to skin contact during oral, anal and vaginal sex. Warts are most commonly seen on head and shaft of penis, opening of vagina, scrotum, vulva, lining of cervix, anus, glans, perineum and urethral opening. The genital warts are asymptomatic but at times can cause pain, formation of ulcer, pus and bleeding. They might disappear with time but may increase in size and number as well. Research is still going to find out the reason for its automatic disappearance with time. It is believed that the HPV virus becomes latent and leads to vanishing of warts but they can always re-occur.

Genital warts symptoms require visual inspection and complete diagnosis. At times biopsy is also required for the confirmation of genital warts. The appearance of symptoms can be noticed between one to six months once the virus has gained entry in the body. As the virus has a tendency to show latency, symptoms might take time to show or may be slow to appear. Genital warts are painless and lead to itching, irritation, discomfort and stinging sensation. The symptoms are mild but in rare or extreme cases there might be pain, problem in normal urination and defecation and bleeding. Genital warts can also occur in mouth and throat due to oral sex, in that case their might be difficulty observed in swallowing food and eating spicy food. Genital warts can be infectious to pregnant ladies and can be transmitted to the new borne baby as well. The treatment used for genital wart during pregnancy should be selected very carefully as several drugs lead to birth abnormalities. It is important to diagnose the genital warts carefully as there are several other skin problems like genital herpes, syphilis that can be mistaken as genital warts. There are formation of Fordyce spots and angiokeratomas on genitals but they are different from venereal warts and are not sexually transmitted. It is best to consult a doctor if any such overgrowth is seen on genitals for proper and immediate treatment.