Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus): Symptoms

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Symptoms

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) usually does not cause any symptoms and does not always produce visible genital warts.

When symptoms do develop, they usually occur 2 to 3 months after infection. However, symptoms have been known to develop from 3 weeks to many years after infection.

Symptoms that may occur with genital warts include:

• Irritation.
• Itching.
• Bleeding.

Genital warts

Genital warts can be different sizes and shapes.

• They may be large, or they may be too small to be seen with the naked eye. They may appear individually or in groups.
• Warts may look like tiny bunches of cauliflower or like flat, white areas that are very difficult to see.
• In women and men, warts may appear in the groin, on and around the genitals, in the urethra, or in the rectum or anus.
• In women:
  • Genital warts may appear on the vulva, vagina, or cervix.
  • Women are often unaware of warts inside the vagina or on the cervix until a health professional finds them.
• In men:
  • Genital warts may occur on the outside of the penis and scrotum.
  • Men are often unaware they have genital warts, even when they can be seen, until the warts are identified by a health professional.

Symptoms of genital warts may be similar to those of other conditions.

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Last updated:	August 17, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman