Genital Warts
Genital warts are very common. They are caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- There are at least 80 different types of HPV; 20 can infect the genital area.
- At least 75% of sexually active adults have been infected with at least one type of genital HPV at some time in their life.
- Most do not develop visible warts; the infection may show up on a cervical smear. This is known as subclinical infection.
- Visible genital warts are often easy to diagnose by their typical appearance. They are usually due to HPV Types 6 and 11.
- Some genital warts are often called squamous cell papilloma.
Genital warts may occur in the following sites:
- Vulva
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Urethra
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Anus
People may confuse normal anatomical structures as warts. These do not require any treatment.
- Pearly papules (these are in a ring around the glans of the penis )
- Sebaceous glands on the labia (known as "Fordyce spots")
- Vestibular papillae (the fronds found in the opening to the vagina)
