Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many kinds of HPV but not all of them cause genital warts. Genital warts are warts that are located near or in the genital areas. In a female, that means on or near the vulva, vagina, cervix, or anus. In a male, that means near or on the penis, scrotum, or anus. Genital warts can be passed from person to person through intimate sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Genital warts affect approximately eight million Americans per year. If you notice warts in your genital area, see your doctor. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the genital warts just by examining you. Genital warts are not always easy to see with the naked eye, and many times a person with genital warts doesn't know that they are there. There is no cure that will get rid of HPV completely. But there are treatments that can reduce the number of genital warts.