Growths on the Genitals (Genital Warts)

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HealthWiki > Where Women Have No Doctor > Chapter 16: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Other Infections of the Genitals > Growths on the Genitals (Genital Warts)

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

Warts are caused by a virus. Warts on the genitals look like warts on other parts of the body. It is possible to have genital warts and not know it, especially when they are inside the vagina or inside the tip of the penis. Warts are not dangerous but can be uncomfortable. Warts may go away without treatment, but it can take a long time. Usually they get worse and should be treated.

Signs:

• itching
• small, painless, whitish or brownish bumps that have a rough surface

Warts can grow on the penis, (or just inside it) and on the scrotum or the anus.	Warts can grow on the folds of the vulva, inside the vagina, and around the anus.

IMPORTANT! Large, flat, wet growths that look like warts may be a sign of syphilis (see below). Try to get a test for syphilis before using this treatment. For syphilis, you will need a different treatment.

The HPV vaccine protects against most types of the virus that cause genital warts. Where children and young people routinely get this vaccine, fewer people have genital warts. The HPV vaccine also prevents some cancers.

Warts can pass to sexual partners. Use condoms during sex if either you or your partner have warts or are still getting treatment.

Treatment:

Podofilox liquid or gel or trichloroacetic acid or bichloroacetic acid are put directly on genital warts to shrink them.

Podofilox is easier to use and a health worker can put it on the first time and then show you how to do it at home. These acids can burn the skin, so getting help from an experienced health worker is best when using either of them. At home, you will need help from another person if the warts are in a place that is hard to see or reach.

Warts grow faster during pregnancy. If you have a lot of them, this can cause problems with childbirth. Talk with a health worker.

If the treatment is working, it will cause a painful sore where the wart used to be. Keep the sores clean and dry. Try not to have sex until they are gone, but if you do have sex, use a condom. The sores should heal within a week or two. Watch them to make sure they do not get infected.

To get rid of all the warts, people usually need to treat themselves several times, with waiting times between each treatment. See more information. Try not to get acid on a sore where a wart used to be. If there is too much irritation, wait longer before the next treatment.

This page was updated:22 Jan 2024