A few HPVs cause genital warts, but most genital HPV infections are not visible and have no symptoms. Some of these are associated with cancer of the cervix, vulva or penis. Genital warts are soft to the touch, may look like miniature cauliflower florets, and often itch. Untreated genital warts can grow to block the openings of the vagina, anus, or throat and become quite uncomfortable. Warts usually take from two to three weeks after infection to develop.
Genital warts grow more rapidly during pregnancy or when other infections are present.
Genital HPVs are spread by vaginal and anal intercourse. In rare cases, genital warts spread to the fetus during childbirth. HPVs can be diagnosed by microscopic examination of tissue samples and clinical evaluation of warts during a physical or gynecological exam. Pap tests may reveal pre-cancerous conditions caused by genital HPVs. Early treatment prevents cancer of the cervix.