Genital warts (Condyloma acuminata) are an extremely
contagious condition caused by an infection of the
human papilloma virus (HPV),
which is spread by direct contact, skin to skin, during
vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a partner who is infected
with HPV. Genital warts symptoms are fairly easy to
diagnose. The virus may even be contracted if no genital
warts symptoms are noticeable, which is quite
common.
The Symptoms of Genital Warts
One of the biggest problems with HPV, is the long incubation period before symptoms, if any, will start to become noticeable. It could take as quick as one month or as extensive as six months until the first genital wart symptom is identified.
What do they look like?
Genital warts are usually flesh colored, or grayish white, growths. They can be flat, or protrude from the skin and may cluster together resembling a cauliflower in appearance. Usually they are flesh colored and do not cause any pain, however they may sometimes be itchy or cause mild pain
Some other symptoms of genital warts which may occur
are;
Increased moisture or dampness surrounding the growths;
With men: a general itching surrounding the penis and the base of the penis, the scrotum, or the anus;
With women: a general itching of the vulva or inside of the vagina, around the anus, or of the cervix.
Where do genital warts symptoms occur?
* Men: The tip of the penis is the most common location for genital warts in men. They may however occur around or in the anus, on the penis or the base, the scrotum or the groin and thigh area.
* Women: The vulva and inside of the vagina, around the anus, or around the cervix.
Risks:
Genital warts and the symptoms are usually harmless
however can be very discomforting if the condition
is not treated and allowed to spiral out of control.
Warts
themselves may grow to be extremely large. There is
also a risk of cancer, and various types of cancer
have been linked to genital warts, particularly cervical
cancer. In men it is much less common for genital
warts to lead to cancer.
Conclusion:
Caution must be taken to notice any genital warts symptom
to avoid contaminating others with the HPV
virus. This may be difficult as symptoms can take
anywhere from 1 to 6 months to appear. During this
period it is still possible for the virus to be transferred,
even if no symptoms are visible. Exercise extreme
caution and be aware of any strange growths or discoloration
in the genital area.
