Apparently, hundreds of millions of people around the globe develop genital warts every year. In addition to that, more people are becoming infected with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) everyday. With these startling facts, it is quite reasonable to wonder, “Do I have genital warts?”
What are the signs and symptoms?
Not all people who are infected with the HPV will develop visible signs and symptoms. In fact, only one percent of the HPV infected population will experience the symptoms. Usually, warts appear three weeks after the person has been infected with the virus. For some people, the symptoms may appear months or years after the virus was transmitted.
These warts come in the form of small and fleshy bumps in the genital or anal area. In most cases, the bumps are so tiny that many infected people fail to notice the warts immediately. However, you can easily feel the lumps. They may appear as individual lumps or they may come in groups. When they appear in groups, warts assume a pinkish cauliflower-like appearance.
Among the infected women, the warts usually develop on the vulva, the cervix, and in the vagina. As for the infected men, warts are usually found on the scrotum, the penis, and the urethra. Warts can also appear on the upper thighs and on or around the anus.
Usually, genital warts are quite painless. However, the infected person can also experience itchiness or a burning sensation. The warts can also cause inflammation in the infected area. Sometimes, it may even cause genital or anal bleeding if they become so large.
How will I know if I'm infected?
If you think that you have been infected with the virus, you should immediately consult a physician. Unless you are aware that you have engaged in sexual intercourse with an HPV infected person, there is no need to worry if you have no visible warts and if you did not engage in a highly risky sexual behavior. However, you may need to go for a check-up primarily if you are pregnant or if you have another sexually transmitted infection.
You can have a genital warts examination in some general practice clinics and major hospitals. You may also opt to be checked in a sexual health or a genitourinary medicine clinic. Some youth health centers and contraception service centers also provide warts examination.
When you go for a medical check-up, your health service provider will have to look at your warts. This is usually done using a magnifying glass. In some cases, they will also conduct an internal examination of your genitalia and your anus in order to determine if there is an internal viral manifestation. Also, the physician may take a biopsy of your warts. During the biopsy sampling, your doctor may use local anesthetic to alleviate possible pain and discomfort. Contrary to common misconceptions, no blood test is needed to test for HPV infection.
