Infection with specific types of HPV can lead to neoplastic changes in genital epithelia. The lesions are usually papules or plaques that may be hard to see. In women, the infection may be intravaginal or cervical. If the cervix becomes affected, cervical cancer can result. Because of the contagious and possibly neoplastic nature of the infection, treatment is necessary.
Destructive treatment includes removal of the warts by the use of lasers, freezing or burning.
These include pain, burning, inflammation, skin erosion, scarring, erythema and the medications should not be used during pregnancy. There is no cure and the warts may recur at any time. Patients with genital warts are also at risk for other STDs. Some 900,000 Americans are estimated to be infected with HIV with 45,000 being added each year. In addition, the virus can be spread by heterosexual relations or by blood transfusions, although these are less common.