What Do Genital Warts Look Like

Genital warts are considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). However, sometimes genital warts show no signs or symptoms of infection. So, people might spread HPV and genital warts to others without knowing. The HPV virus along with genital warts can spread very easily through sexual contact. This includes oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
In women, warts may grow outside genital areas, in the vagina, and on the cervix. In some cases, HPV is the reason a Pap smear is abnormal. Getting regular Pap tests, once or twice a year, might decrease the risk of cervical cancer due to HPV.
In men, warts may grow on the penis, near the anus or between the penis and scrotum.
The warts may be small, flat or raised, flesh-colored bumps, or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps. Some of the genital warts (condylomata) are pink others are yellow-gray color. Some are soft and others are hard. The warts vary in size and may even be so small that you cannot see them. Sometimes you can find one wart, other times they grow in groups. So, genital warts come in several colors, sizes, and textures. This makes them hard to detect.
Because genital warts are sometimes hard to detect, it is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests.
In some cases no treatment may be necessary. However, if you have persistent symptoms including pain, itching, burning or emotional distress, your doctor may prescribe a topical cream such as Imiquimod. HPV can not be eliminated with these treatment so warts may reappear after treatment. Is there a treatment to prevent genital warts from coming back after treatment?
You should never have unprotected sex. Using a condom may prevent you from contracting HPV, the underlying cause of genital warts.

Learn More: What medication is the best for genital warts