What Do Genital Warts Look Like

Did you know that there are around 500,000 to 1 million new cases of genital warts occurring every year in US alone? If you’ve never suffered from genital warts then you probably don’t know what it looks like. And if you don’t know what genital wart looks like, you’d find it difficult to figure out if you have them. However, genital wart is an infection that can be a terrible sight for those of you who have faint stomachs! So what do genital warts look like?

Before we tell you what genital warts look like, you must understand how causes of this infection. Genital wart is caused by the human papilloma virus or the HPV. This sexually transmitted disease is highly contagious and spreads from skin to skin contact or use of towels or clothes of a HPV infected person. Moreover, almost 50% of the people who contract genital wart never experience any wart outbreaks. Knowing what genital warts look like can help you seek proper treatment and ensure that you stay infection and disease free for as long as possible.

What do genital warts look like in General?

Genital warts look like small bumps. In some cases, they may have a rough surface or be soft and smooth to touch, or some genital warts can also be flat and very tiny. Genital warts can grow individually or in clusters that resemble cauliflower florets. Generally, genital warts often grow in more than one place and grow to large numbers in clusters. Usually, genital warts are painless, but they can cause itching or burning sensation in the genitals.

In order to know how genital warts look like, you can also visit the Internet and search for their images. Genital warts can grow inside and outside the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus, or urethra. In case of oral sex with a HPV infected person, genital warts can plaque your mouth, lips, tongue, or throat.

What do Genital warts look like in Men?

HPV infected men get genital warts on their penis, or scrotum, or their urethra, or around the rectum. Genital warts look like smooth bumps on and around the penis, while genital warts look like rough projections around the anal region. Dark and cauliflower shaped genital warts look like small pearls (shiny and smooth) and stand well above the epidermis. However, some genital warts can also be flat and not elevated. It can be difficult to spot genital warts as they can easily be hidden by pubic hair.

What do Genital warts look like in Women?

Genital warts look like the same in women as in men. But in women, genital warts grow around and inside the vagina, and the vulva or the mouth of the vaginal, since HPV thrives on moisture and dampness. If you observe protuberances similar to what genital warts look like then you must see a doctor immediately. In some cases, certain types of HPV can even lead to cervical cancer in women.

Finally, knowing what genital warts look like is the first step in being able to identify and therefore, seek treatment for HPV.