Genital warts and condylomas: what they are and where they come from

Growths in the intimate area are frightening not so much because of how they look as because of the uncertainty: what they are, where they came from, and who to see. Most often this is genital warts — a common sexually transmitted infection.

What genital warts and condylomas are

Genital warts are small rough outgrowths of skin around the vagina, on the penis, or around the anus. They are also called pointed condylomas and venereal warts: there are several terms, but the essence is the same.

The virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible warts. Infection occurs through skin-to-skin contact. Contact with the virus does not always lead to disease: manifestations develop in the presence of predisposing factors, including a reduced immune response. Treatment is not always needed — some warts disappear on their own within six months.

Causes: the role of human papillomavirus

The cause is human papillomavirus (HPV). It has many types: some cause growths, others are associated with cancers.

Routes of transmission: skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal and anal sex, shared sex toys, and rarely oral sex. Transmission from mother to child during childbirth is possible, but this is rare. You can become infected by touching an affected area and then another part of the body. Genital warts are not transmitted through kissing, towels, dishes, or toilet seats.

The incubation period ranges from several weeks to many months, so it is usually impossible to identify the source of infection. The virus remains in the body even after the growths are removed: they may return, and the virus can be passed to a partner even after treatment. Regardless of the removal method, recurrences occur in 20–30% of patients.

Condoms reduce the risk of transmission but do not eliminate it. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of the virus that cause genital warts and some cancers.

Where they appear: in men, in women, in the groin and anal area

In women, pointed condylomas appear in or around the vagina, on the cervix, and around the anus. In men — on the glans and shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, thigh, and groin. The elements may also be located on the skin around the genitals. The common area is the perineum and the skin between the genitals and the anus. Sometimes elements are found in the mouth.

What condylomas look like and how they differ from other formations

A typical pointed papilloma is a soft flesh-colored outgrowth on a thin stalk; the elements differ from one another in size. Genital condylomas may be single or grouped together in a cluster resembling cauliflower. The color ranges from flesh-colored and white to red or darker than the surrounding skin.

They are confused with pearly penile papules — which are not a disease. The difference is visible on examination: papules are the same size, whereas condylomas are not; they are soft and grow on a stalk. There are usually no symptoms; sometimes the elements are painful, itchy, bleed, interfere with sex, and urination becomes intermittent or difficult.

How anogenital warts are diagnosed

A doctor can usually make the diagnosis by examination: they ask about symptoms and sexual partners, examine the skin around the genitals and anus, sometimes with a magnifying loupe. If necessary, they examine inside the vagina, anus, or urethra.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if at least one of the following applies:

• painless bumps or growths around the vagina, penis, or anus;
• itching or bleeding from the genitals or anus;
• a persistent change in the urine stream, for example it has started to flow sideways;
• your sexual partner has been found to have genital warts, even if you have no symptoms; current sexual partners are also advised to be examined — they may not know they are carriers.

The appearance of growths on its own is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — only in a life-threatening condition.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: the final answer is given by examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer