|
If
symptoms do appear then the infected person may notice a single
spot or a cluster of spots within their genitalia. Genital warts
have an irregular shape and can vary in shape and size from
small red/white spots to large cauliflower-shaped lumps (see
genital warts pictures),
which can spread without treatment. Genital warts are normally
painless but may be itchy, although they may become painful
during sexual intercourse depending on the location of the warts.
In
men, genital warts often occur just under the
foreskin, but can be anywhere on the penis, on the scrotum or
in the groin. Homosexual men may also get infected in the anus
and rectum.
In
women, genital warts usually occur around the
opening of the vagina (vulva), but can occur in the folds of
skin alongside the vaginal opening, to the womb, or around the
anus. If a woman has warts within her vagina it may led to slight
bleeding, or on very rare occasions an unusual colored discharge
can appear from the vagina.
In some cases, genital warts can develop in the mouth or throat
due to them having had oral sex with an infected person
Once a person
contracts the HPV virus, a quiet period of months to years can
occur.
Sometimes several years pass without any symptoms. However even
without showing any symptoms it still leaves a healthy partner
vulnerable to becoming infected during sexual activity. They’re
not something you want to risk infecting others with and need
to be treated as they are very contagious! (see
genital warts facts).
If
a person suspects that they may have been exposed to the HPV
virus, but doesn't yet have any symptoms, their doctor can take
a swab to test for strains of the virus (available in most countries).
Woman can get this performed alongside a cervical Pap smear
test (see
vaginal warts).
|
Reviewed
)
)
)
)
)
