Veneral Warts 101

Genital warts are commonly referred to as venereal warts. Medically they are also referred to as condylomata acuminata. Genital warts is probably the most common sexually transmitted infection.

Genital warts are flesh colored growths or bumps (sometimes look like cauliflower) and can appear almost anywhere in the perineal and genital area. The lesions may be quite small, large and multiple. Most commonly these warts are seen near the vagina, vulva, just above the cervix, penis, scrotum, anus or groin area.

Genital warts are difficult to treat and have become a public health concern. The warts occur because of infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This same virus has also been linked to cervical cancer and today it is believed that the same virus may play a role in other related genital cancers.

Symptoms

In women, genital warts may be seen around the vulva, cervix, vagina, anus and in-between the anus and vagina. In men venereal warts are most common on penile shaft or tip of the penis. They can also occur on the scrotum and in the groin crease. There are reports that individuals who practice oral sex often get venereal warts at the back of the throat.
Individuals who develop venereal warts may complain of the following:

- In the majority of individuals, venereal warts do not cause any symptoms.

- Some warts are so small that they may not always be visible. However, warts can also grow pretty large when they occur in clusters

- Single or multiple flesh brown or dark gray colored swellings which sometimes look like a tiny cauliflower

- Itching is a common complaint especially when the skin overlying the wart have been traumatized

-Most people have no pain but warts can get traumatized and bleed. Bleeding is most common during sexual intercourse or masturbation.

- Some individuals will get re-activation of venereal warts after acquiring an infection anywhere in the body

- Women who become pregnant may also see the outbreaks of venereal warts.

All individuals have to understand, that venereal warts are considered a sexually transmitted disease. This means if you got it you can give it to someone else; and if you got it, someone gave it to you.