Genital warts start as small bumps that appear in the genital area or the anus. They may be single or clusters and have a cauliflower-like appearance as they grow larger. In women, genital warts appear on the outer genital area, in the vagina, on the cervix or in the anal area. In men, genital warts often appear on the foreskin, head, shaft of the penis and in the anal area, urethra and scrotum. Genital warts appear about 2-3 months after sexual contact or can sometimes take one year before appearing.
Any person infected with the virus can pass the disease on to another person.
Genital warts is diagnosed by physical examination for women and men. For women, genital warts can appear on the inside of the vagina on the cervix, causing an abnormal Pap smear. Anyone with an abnormal Pap smear needs to be followed by a doctor. There are many treatments for the symptoms, i.e. warts, but no cure for the virus that causes the warts. Genital warts are removed from the skin's surface.