Genital Warts Symptoms
Although most individuals who are searching for information regarding genital warts symptoms are between the ages of 17 and 33, all ages are certainly at risk. Caused by HPV, otherwise known as the human papillomavirus, there are more than 100 varieties of warts with at least 40 types affecting the genital areas.
About 90 percent of HPV-6 and 11 genital warts are considered low-risk, which means that there is a low potential that they will cause cancer. However, HPV-16 is responsible for at least 50 percent of all cervical cancer cases in women. Other high-risk types include HPV-18, 31 and 45.
It is important to note that nearly 20 percent of individuals who have genital warts symptoms also have another sexually transmitted disease as well. Viral particles from the warts easily penetrate mucous surfaces and the skin during sexual activity through microscopic abrasions located in the genital area, often caused by friction.
Interestingly, it is suggested that birth control pills are to blame for increased occurrence of genital warts because partners feel they don’t need to use a protective form of birth control.
Genital Warts Symptoms
Many people assume that pain would be one of the most common genital warts symptoms but it’s not. In fact, most people experience no pain at all but that does not mean that they aren’t bothersome. Common genital warts symptoms include:
- Bumps that can range from 1 mm to as wide as 1 cm when grouped together.
- Severe itching.
- Discharge.
- Urinary obstruction or bleeding may occur if the wart occurs at the urethral opening.
Genital warts symptoms and characteristics are different in men and women. Although they appear to be raised masses with either a rough or smooth surface, they can also be cauliflower-like, pearly and dark in both sexes.
In uncircumcised men, they are often hidden in foreskin where on women, they are almost always visible. Women may also experience bleeding, discharge or itching during intercourse.
If you feel you have genital warts symptoms, seek medical attention. If they won’t stop bleeding or are stopping you from urinating, this should be treated like a medical emergency.
Protect Yourself
When used consistently, latex condoms are highly affective in preventing not only genital warts but other sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Condom use has also been associated with a decreased risk of cervical cancer, since this is commonly an HPV-related disease.