Female Genital Warts Symptoms

Sexually active adults are susceptible to a large number of sexually transmitted infections (STI's). These range from syphilis to chlamydia to genital herpes. An incredibly common – and painful – STI is known as genital warts. These warts can affect both males and females.

While engaging in sexual intercourse is the most common way to spread genital warts, they can also be transmitted through oral sex. Infected mothers run the risk of passing on genital warts to their newborn babies during labor and delivery.

Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, are extremely contagious. Some statistics peg rates of transmission as high as 70% in the three months following sexual contact with an infected individual. While not all cases of genital warts will present symptoms, some of the signs and symptoms of genital warts in women include itching and burning, painful urination and, if warts are present inside the vagina, there may be abnormal discharge or bleeding during or after intercourse.

Most women are well aware that doing monthly breast self-examinations is an important factor in their overall preventative health care. Women should be made to understand that they should also perform a genital self-examination. It is important to look for any types of bumps or blisters and also to watch for genital warts. The warts are small, bumpy spots that, if left untreated, will develop a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts may appear in several areas including the vagina, anus, vulva and even around the mouth.

If genital warts are contracted, there are many courses of treatment that will be effective against them. The most popular new treatment is a cream called Imiquimod which is applied to the infected area(s) at bedtime and remains in place until washed off in the morning. Other treatments for female genital warts include several prescription medications, laser, surgical removal or freezing. When the genital warts cover a large area, perhaps the best method is burning or cauterization.

It is important for women to adopt habits and practices that help to safeguard their bodies against STI's like genital warts. Abstinence will help stop the spread but is not a very realistic option. Using a condom to practice safer sex can help but will not completely prevent genital warts. Recently, a vaccine has been offered that acts against four types of HPV that are known to cause female genital warts. This vaccine, called Gardasil, has been approved by the FDA for females aged 9-26 years. Every woman must take her health into her own hands, make sensible decisions and stay well on top of any emerging conditions.