Genital Warts: Everything You Need To Know

Genital warts is, according to Mayo Clinic, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections a human can contract. But what exactly do you know about it? Do you know the symptoms? Obviously the warts themselves are the symptoms, but there are others. Did you know there's a difference between male and female genital warts? Do you know what complications genital warts can cause for your health? If you answered no to any of these questions, you're in the right place. Read on to find out everything you need to know about genital warts?
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Immediate. Genital warts are pesky little buggers. According to Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., it could take a very long time to even know you’ve contracted genital warts.

Days… Weeks... “Genital warts usually appear in the weeks or months after you’re infected, but it’s possible for them to pop up years down the road,” said Minkin. So it is really nearly impossible to figure out who gave them to you, at times.

Cure. There is no cure for genital warts. Say what?! Yep, no cure, so despite the fact that the warts can be removed, there’s a possibility that the pesky things can come right back.

Detection. Women’s Health notes that it’s easy to detect certain changes to your body, a nipple hair per se, but genital warts aren’t that obvious to find. They vary in size, shape, and color.

Aesthetic. Women’s Health says that most genital warts will be flesh-colored bumps, and they look slightly similar to cauliflower. In terms of size, some can be so small you can’t even see them, while others are clearly visible.

Skin tag. Minkin says if you’re not careful, you could mistake a genital wart for a skin tag or a pimple. It’s best to check with your doctor if you notice any bodily changes that seem strange.

Pregnant women. The speed at which genital warts can form and grow if you’re pregnant is much quicker. In some cases, though rare, doctors have seen the warts passed on to the newborn.

Prevention. In this case, doctors will freeze the warts off of the future mothers, according to Women’s Health. This is the safest way to prevent pregnancy complications associated with the genital warts.

Condoms. We know what you’re thinking. “I use condoms so there’s no way I’m going to get genital warts, I’m all set.” WRONG! “Warts can live in places like the anus, scrotum, or vulva,” said Minkin, “condoms only cover so much of the genitals."

Contact. So whenever you get close to someone who has genital warts and your skin touches, you’re at risk of contracting them as well. This isn’t a case for not wearing condoms and throwing caution to the wind, however!

HPV. The vaccine for HPV could help prevent you from getting genital warts. There are two strains that cause HPV — type six and 11. The vaccine will protect you from both.

Recommendation. According to Women’s Health, “around 90 percent of genital warts are caused by HPV.” The vaccine is, however, only recommended for women up to the age of 26.

Smoking. If you didn’t already have countless reasons to quit smoking cigarettes, here’s another! “One study found that smokers are 23 percent more likely to have genital warts than non-smokers,” according to Women’s Health.

Why? When you smoke, it stops your immune system from doing its job properly. So you will be more susceptible to contracting any host of different infections, namely genital warts.

What’s in a name... Though genital warts are called… genital warts… they can show up in any number of different places. You need to be careful of giving oral sex to someone who has genital warts, because they can appear in your throat or in your mouth, or both!