Diagnosis and treatment of genital warts

Symptoms of genital warts

They are soft lumps on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. They can be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, as well as in and around the anus.

Although not everyone develops warts, genital warts can be so small that they are not visible to the naked eye.

They may look like flesh-colored spots (raised or flat), or tumors that resemble the top of a cauliflower.

Treatment of genital warts

Genital warts should be treated by a doctor. Do not use over-the-counter medications to treat other types of warts.

Treatment may include:

• Medications applied to genital warts or injected by your doctor
• A prescription medication that you apply at home several times a week
• Freezing (cryosurgery)
• Cauterization (electrocauterization)
• Laser therapy
• Surgery

If you have genital warts, all your sexual partners should be examined and treated if they are found to have them. Even if you have no symptoms, you should still receive treatment. This is to prevent complications and avoid spreading the condition to others.

You will need to return for a follow-up appointment after treatment to verify that all warts have disappeared.

Routine Pap smears are recommended if you are a woman who has had genital warts or if your partner has had them. If you had warts on your cervix, you may need Pap smears every 3 to 6 months after your first treatment.