They may appear as single isolated lesions but frequently are multiple in number. Very small warts can not be seen with the naked eye and may not produce any symptoms. The diagnaosis can be made by applying a diluted solution of acetic acid or full-strength white vinegar to the genital skin and then looking for the lesions with a special magnifying instrument or glasses. Genital warts are highly contagious and spread by sexual or intimate bodily contact. HPV is most common in young people but it is present in all age groups and rich and poor alike.
Many people have the virus and are contagious even if there are no visible lesions on the genitals.
It has been confirmed that some forms of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix in women. The diagnosis is made in women by identifying abnormal cells on the PAP smear. Although not as common and not as conclusive, HPV is weakly associated with penile and bladder cancer in men. All sexual partners must be evaluated and treated, as sexual partners may carry the virus and if untreated they may reinfect the treated partner. Condoms are effective to prevenet reinfection and transmision of the virus.