Thinking about genital warts can be a very touchy topic for many people, but if you suspect that you might have this condition, you will find that the more information that you have, the better. The truth of the situation is that they can be easily transmitted, so if you suspect that you might have genital warts, you need to find out as soon as possible.

You can recognize genital warts by looking for small flat bumps or tiny bumps that are clustered together. These bumps will be flesh colored and there may be one or there might be numerous bumps involved. For men, genital warts can grow near the anus, in the space between the penis and the scrotum or on the shaft or head of the penis itself. For women, genital warts can occur in the area between the anus and the vulva, on the vulva itself, in the vagina and on the cervix. It is important to keep in mind the fact that genital warts can vary in size, and that in some cases, they can be too small to see.

In both women and men, the condition known as hirsuties papillaris genitalis is one that is often confused for genital warts. This condition, which can occur in the same places as genital warts is actually simply a variation on anatomy and though they can be removed for aesthetic purposes, do not cause any harm at all. It can be problematic because even doctors can mistake the two. However, if you are concerned that you might have genital warts, you'll find that it is important to get treatment right away as they can lead to cancer of the cervix or on male genitalia.

Genital warts are caused by the spread of the human papillomavirus, which is abbreviated to HPV. It is important to remember that there are many different strains of HPV and that not all of them will cause genital warts. This condition is spread through sexual contact, and most cases of HPV occur through the act of anal, vaginal or oral sex with someone who is infected. While wearing condoms can lessen the chance of contracting the this condition, keep in mind the fact that condoms simply do not cover all of the skin involved.

Genital warts are typically diagnosed through examination by a doctor. A Pap smear for women can also detect genital warts on a woman's cervix. While the genital warts can be removed, the viral infection will remain, so warts can reoccur after treatment. When thinking about treatment, you will find that these warts can be frozen off, or treated in a number of different ways. A laser can be used to remove them, or they can be withered off with acid. Some genital warts need to be dealt with a few times before they are entirely gone; this is something that cannot be predicted with any degree of accuracy.

If you think that you might have genital warts, you will find that you need to take yourself to a doctor to be sure. This can lead to serious health problems later down the line, so take some time and make sure that you get the proper diagnosis. Genital warts are more common than you might think, and there are definitely treatments for them.