Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Vaginal Warts?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Vaginal warts are growths in the vagina that represent infection with one of several sexually transmitted strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). The term vaginal warts is less familiar than the more frequently used term, genital warts. This is due to the fact that warts may appear elsewhere, such as on the vulva, in the area between the vagina and the anus, on the areas just outside of the vagina, and on the cervix. Men can also get genital warts, on the penis, anus or on the testicles. Both men and women may develop them in the throat if they practice oral sexual activities with an infected person.

When women develop any form of vaginal warts, they may or may not notice they have them. If the warts are located on vaginal walls, they’re not apparent, and sometimes an infection of genital warts produces such tiny warts, that even if they’re located in more obvious places, they still may not be noticed. In general, the warts are small and can be flesh or gray-colored. They get more noticeable if two or more warts grow together, and these may take on what is described as a “cauliflower appearance.”

Vaginal warts may be removed with a surgical scalpel.
Vaginal warts may be removed with a surgical scalpel.

Since vaginal warts aren’t always easy to see, women may need to rely on different symptoms that suggest their presence. These could include itchiness or general discomfort and/or irritation. Sometimes warts will bleed during intercourse, making intercourse painful. These sensations need to be especially monitored if they occur during pregnancy, because HPV infections can be dormant for long periods of time and may be prone to expression when women are pregnant.

Vaginal warts are highly contagious and those that have multiple partners can be most at risk.
Vaginal warts are highly contagious and those that have multiple partners can be most at risk.

There are several concerns with the development of vaginal warts, and medical attention is needed when they appear and thereafter. In some cases, warts can grow so large that they become exceptionally uncomfortable, even blocking things like the urethra, making urination difficult. Excessively large warts may need to be removed, and doctors have various methods for effective removal that include using chemicals to destroy wart tissue, or that can be more extensive and surgical in nature and might employ electrical current, lasers, freezing or scalpel excision.

Using safe sex practices can help reduce an individual's chances of contracting vaginal warts.
Using safe sex practices can help reduce an individual's chances of contracting vaginal warts.

The fact that warts are symptomatic of HPV infection poses an additional problem. Those strains of HPV linked to genital warts are also linked to significantly increased risk for cervical cancer. If a woman develops a strain of HPV with this potential, she will need to make certain that she has regular follow-ups with a gynecologist and yearly pap-smears to check for presence of cancerous cells.

Oral sex can spread the human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.
Oral sex can spread the human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.

It’s also vital to realize that vaginal warts are highly contagious and can easily spread to partners. People most at risk for developing these are those who have unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners or who become sexually active at early ages. There are preventative treatments, including cervical cancer vaccines like Gardasil®. Safer sex practices like condom use can also minimize infection risk.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

@donasmrs-- Vaginal or genital warts are caused by a strain of HPV, whereas blisters can be caused by herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea or another type of STD.

The common wart is also caused by a type of HPV. But the strain that causes warts on the genitals is a different one and is passed through sexual contact.

bluedolphin

@donasmrs-- That's a good question, I would like to know the answer as well.

I think the raised spots caused by genital herpes is usually referred to as blisters. But I have seen people refer to them as warts in some cases.

What I do know is that most, if not all vaginal warts and blisters are caused by a virus. This is especially true if they occur in clusters.

Genital wart treatments can be the same for genital blisters. Warts can be removed via excision or with laser or liquid nitrogen treatments. There are also medications.

donasmrs

What about herpes? Doesn't herpes cause vaginal warts?

What is the best vaginal wart treatment?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Vaginal warts may be removed with a surgical scalpel.
      By: maska82
      Vaginal warts may be removed with a surgical scalpel.
    • Vaginal warts are highly contagious and those that have multiple partners can be most at risk.
      By: Coka
      Vaginal warts are highly contagious and those that have multiple partners can be most at risk.
    • Using safe sex practices can help reduce an individual's chances of contracting vaginal warts.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Using safe sex practices can help reduce an individual's chances of contracting vaginal warts.
    • Oral sex can spread the human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.
      By: Imagery Majestic
      Oral sex can spread the human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.
    • Gynecologists can diagnosis and treat genital warts.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Gynecologists can diagnosis and treat genital warts.
    • Using condoms can minimize the infection risk of vaginal warts.
      By: Kzenon
      Using condoms can minimize the infection risk of vaginal warts.
    • A woman who develops vaginal warts should seek medical attention immediately.
      By: Monkey Business
      A woman who develops vaginal warts should seek medical attention immediately.