What do hpv warts look like on women

In females, warts develop most often in moist areas, such as the vaginal opening. The bumps may be small and flat or slightly raised with finger-like projections.

In many instances, people with HPV do not know they have the virus. Warts can be very small or even microscopic. However, people with cervixes can receive a diagnosis following a HPV test, which is similar to a cervical cancer screening, or Pap test.

Doctors may carry out a HPV test at the same time as a Pap test, or separately. During a HPV test, a healthcare provider uses a speculum to view the cervix. The provider uses a tiny brush to collect cells from the cervix, which a lab then tests for HPV. However, doctors may provide anal Pap testing for those who are at increased risk for HPV-related anal cancer. According to the CDC, this includes people who have anal sex and those with weakened immune systems.

While there is no cure for HPV, there are treatments that can help with genital warts until the infection goes away. These include :. If a person has HPV and may be at higher risk for cancer, it is also important they get regular tests such as Pap smears to detect abnormal cells. Preventative measures can reduce the risk of a person contracting HPV, as well as the chance that those with an active infection can spread the virus to others.

Planned Parenthood recommend:. Getting the vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of HPV. The vaccine can prevent people from getting strains of HPV that cause most cases of both genital warts and cervical cancer and is available in the U. This includes males and females. Keep in mind that other forms of birth control that prevent pregnancy, such as a diaphragm or birth control pills, do not prevent STIs.

As the vagina is self-cleaning, it is not necessary to douche. Instead, wash the vulva, or outside of the vagina, with warm water only. According to the American Academy of Dermatology , people who smoke have a higher risk of developing genital warts compared to people who do not smoke. Any time a person thinks they may have genital warts, they should see a doctor or sexual health nurse. Warts caused by HPV may look similar to bumps caused by other conditions, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.

Additionally, while HPV typically resolves on its own over time, it is still helpful to be aware of the infection. This may help doctors monitor for complications. It can also make people aware that they need to take steps to prevent transmission. HPV does not always cause visible symptoms, but in some cases, it can lead to genital warts. The warts can vary in size, color, and appearance. However, a person can have more than one type of HPV infection at a time, and at least 14 types can cause cancer, including cervical cancer.

When a female has genital warts, a doctor may suggest screening for signs of cervical cancer or high-risk types of HPV. The U. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that all females:. If a Pap smear gives an unclear or abnormal result, it does not mean that a person has cancer. The doctor will carry out additional tests to look for any changes in the cells of the cervix. Pregnant women with a past history of genital warts should inform their healthcare providers.

This is unlikely to cause any pregnancy complications or affect the baby. Wearing a condom during sex lowers the risk of getting genital warts. However, a condom does not cover the whole genital area and so may not completely protect against HPV transmission. Other methods of birth control do not protect against genital warts. It is important for people to tell their sexual partners if they have these warts.

Getting an HPV vaccination can also help protect against the types of the virus that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer. Anyone with any severe allergies or an allergy to yeast should consult their doctor before getting the vaccine. Infection with some types of HPV can cause genital warts. These can form in or around the vulva, vagina, or cervix.

The warts may appear on their own or in cauliflower-like clusters. They can cause itching, tenderness, or a burning sensation. Genital warts are generally harmless and are not cancerous. The types of HPV that cause genital warts do not cause cervical cancer.

Although there is no treatment for the virus, a doctor can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. They can also remove the warts. For large or difficult-to-treat warts, a doctor may recommend surgical removal. A person can pass on HPV through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Wearing a condom during sex can help reduce the risk of getting and spreading genital warts. HPV vaccination can also protect against genital warts and cervical cancer. Learn about three possible home remedies for genital warts.

We also look at lifestyle changes that could help, and when you should see a doctor. Understanding the symptoms of common STDs can help people notice any changes in their bodies, so that they can identify the signs and get the right….

There is no cure for HPV or, by extension, genital warts—but if you notice a bump or growth anywhere in the genital region i. It's also important to know that genital warts can be spread in the absence of visible warts. The location of genital warts doesn't always match up with areas of sexual contact.

The CDC notes that while they usually occur at the site of reported contact, they can be found at sites where people report no history of sexual contact. In women, genital warts can appear inside and outside the vagina and on the inner thighs. They can also appear in the anal region. They can be found growing inside and outside the anus and in the area between the anus and the vagina. In men, genital warts can appear on the penis , including under the foreskin if the man is uncircumcised and on the shaft of a circumcised penis.

They can also appear on the scrotum, testicles, anus, groin, and thighs. In most cases, healthcare providers are able to make a diagnosis of genital warts just from visual inspection, but some lesions are not as easy to identify. In those cases, practitioners may do a biopsy of suspicious tissue to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, magnification using colposcopy can help healthcare providers visualize lesions inside the vagina and on the cervix.

Biopsy can also be used in these cases if any suspicious areas are found to confirm the presence of HPV and identify the viral subtype.

If no treatment is given, genital warts may go away on their own, often within one year. But it is also possible that they will grow and spread. They can also simply stay and remain the same size. Treatments include creams or gels that you apply yourself.

These are not over-the-counter medicines meant for other kinds of warts; you need to get them from your healthcare provider. A practitioner can also use cryotherapy to freeze them off or surgically remove them with laser or cutting instruments.

With treatment, you will usually have wart-free periods. That is good for cosmetic reasons, but you may still be able to pass HPV to sexual partners. You can't rely on whether you can see genital warts to know if you or someone else is infected and can transmit HPV.

Discuss the benefits and risks of the Gardasil 9 vaccine with your healthcare provider if you do not have genital warts. If you suspect that you may have genital warts, see your medical professional. If you have been diagnosed with genital warts, you may still be able to transmit HPV to your sexual partners even if the warts are gone. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Genital HPV infection - fact sheet. Last reviewed January 19, Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, Published July 23, Human papillomavirus. Reviewed August 18, Chapter 5: Human papillomavirus HPV.