What are warts (HPV)?
Warts are growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
HPV is extremely prevalent—over 42 million Americans currently have disease-causing HPV types, with approximately 13 million new infections occurring each year in the United States. The good news is that 9 out of 10 HPV infections resolve naturally within two years. There are different strains of HPV, some of which cause warts on the genitals, anus, or surrounding areas, while others can cause warts on different parts of the body. While most people infected with the virus do not develop warts, some strains can lead to the formation of genital warts or even certain types of cancers.
Symptoms & Causes
HPV often does not cause any noticeable symptoms, which means many people can have the virus without knowing it. When warts do appear, they can vary in appearance and may develop weeks or even months after exposure to HPV.
Genital warts symptoms
Genital warts may present as:
- Small, painless growths or bumps in the genital area
- Rough or rubbery texture
- Growths that may appear as single bumps or clusters resembling a small cauliflower
- Warts on the penis, vulva, vagina, anus, or surrounding areas
Some people may also experience itching, pain, or bleeding from the affected areas.
How do you get HPV?
HPV is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can be transmitted even when no visible warts are present, which is why it is possible to contract the virus from a partner who does not show any symptoms.
HPV can also be transmitted through non-sexual routes, although this is less common. This includes skin-to-skin contact in areas where warts are present.
Testing & Treatment
Testing for warts
Diagnosis of genital warts is typically made through a visual examination by a healthcare provider. There is no specific test for HPV in the genital area, but women may discover an HPV infection through an abnormal Pap test during cervical cancer screening.
Routine screening for cervical cancer in women aged 21 to 65 years is important, as it can detect early changes in the cervix caused by HPV that could lead to cancer if left untreated.
Treatment for warts
There is no cure for the HPV virus itself (similar to herpes), but treatment is available for the warts and other health problems that HPV can cause. Options for treating genital warts include:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the warts off with liquid nitrogen
- Topical treatments: Applying prescribed creams or ointments directly to the warts
- Surgical removal: Physically removing the warts through minor surgery
- Laser therapy: Using a laser to destroy the wart tissue
Warts can recur even after treatment, so multiple treatments may be necessary.
Preventing HPV and warts
To reduce the risk of contracting HPV and developing warts:
- Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and can protect against the strains of HPV that cause warts and certain cancers.
- Use condoms: Condoms can lower the risk of HPV transmission, though they may not fully protect against the virus, as HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom.
- Regular screening: Women should have regular cervical cancer screenings (Pap tests) as recommended by their healthcare provider.
- Monogamous relationships: Being in a mutually monogamous relationship can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
Telling your partner
If you have HPV/genital warts, you should tell your current partners and anyone else that you’ve had sex with in the last 6 months. They can have HPV/genital warts without knowing it, so they should get tested as well.
TellYourPartner.com helps you send an anonymous HPV text, so you can let partners know they’ve had contact with an infection without revealing your name.