What You Don't—But Should—Know About Genital Warts

Just because something is uncomfortable to talk about doesn't mean it should be ignored. Good thing we're not shy—we're prepared to get the conversation started about genital warts, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

About one in 100 sexually active adults have genital warts at any given time, yet many people don't talk about it with their health care providers as much as they should.

A recent survey found that almost half of consumer respondents (48 percent; n=247/519) said they are "not very knowledgeable" about genital warts, and only 36 percent of health care professionals who responded to the survey said they cover the basics of genital warts with all patients (n=21/59).

Until there is a better understanding of genital warts, how can we expect to reduce the prevalence of this common STD? It's time to take matters into your own hands and learn more about genital warts.

What are genital warts?
Genital warts are small bumps or groups of bumps caused by low-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). As the name suggests, genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. Some warts are so small and flat they cannot be seen with the naked eye, while others are larger clusters of HPV-infected cells and may have a flat, dome-shaped or cauliflower-like appearance. You may have a few or many warts.

Here are more facts about genital warts:

• HPV strains 6 and 11 cause 90 percent of genital warts.
• Not all people who are exposed to HPV strains 6 or 11 will see genital warts.
• One of the available HPV vaccines offer protection against genital and anal warts in boys and men.
• Practicing safe sex—wearing a condom every time you have sex—can substantially reduce your risk of getting genital warts.
• Although condom use can reduce your risk, it is not 100 percent effective. You can still get genital warts.
• There's no treatment for HPV, but there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause, like genital warts.
• Make sure you talk to your health care provider about all STDs, including genital warts and cervical cancer screening.

How do I start a conversation with my health care provider?
Nearly half (47 percent; n=16/34) of health care professionals who responded to the survey think that the biggest barrier to the proper diagnosis and treatment of genital warts is that patients are too embarrassed to discuss symptoms.

If you suspect you may have genital warts, don't be embarrassed. Book an appointment with your health care provider. Before your appointment, write a list describing:

• Symptoms. Describe your symptoms and note whether your sexual partner has ever had similar symptoms.
• Sexual history. List all recent exposures to possible sources of infection. These may include having unprotected sex or sex with a new partner.
• Key medical information. Write down any other conditions you're being treated for and the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.

How are genital warts diagnosed?
Genital warts can be diagnosed through visual inspection, magnifying the affected area to check for small genital warts and to distinguish them from normal skin. Sometimes an instrument called a colposcope is used to magnify the area and spot warts that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Once diagnosed, it's important to seek medical attention. While some warts can go away on their own, they can also grow in size and number without proper treatment.

The survey found that only 2 of 10 health care professionals said they encourage patients to do their own research before agreeing on a treatment regimen (n=12/55).

Treatment is important, especially if you are experiencing itching, burning, pain or emotional distress. Like all STDs, genital warts are contagious—even if no warts are visible—so it's also important to seek treatment to help avoid spreading the infection to others.

What are my treatment options?
Nearly half of consumers surveyed (43 percent; n=134/309) said that in addition to health implications, the treatment would be the most upsetting aspect of having genital warts, but with a variety of treatment options available, there's no reason to fear treatment.

Available treatments for genital warts are categorized as patient-applied and provider-administered. Patient-applied treatments include prescription creams and ointments that patients use at home, while provider-administered treatments consist of surgical and nonsurgical methods.

It's always best to seek medical attention and work with your doctor to determine a treatment regimen that is right for you.