Definition
Genital warts, are small rough lumps that develop on or around the genital and anal areas. They are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Causes
Genital warts are primarily caused by specific types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is easily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. You can spread the genital warts to your sexual partner even when there are no visible warts.
Symptoms
Not everyone infected will develop visible warts, but for those who do, they will usually appear in the genital and anal areas, and sometimes in the mouth or throat (after oral sex).
The main symptoms of genital warts you should look out for are:
- Small, flesh-coloured, brown or grey growths in your genital area
- Clusters of cauliflower-like growths
- Itching, discomfort, or pain in the affected area
- Bleeding during sexual intercourse