Symptoms

In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitals and the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. In men, they may occur on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, or the anus.

Genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person.

The signs and symptoms of genital warts include:

• Small, flesh-colored, brown or pink swellings in your genital area
• A cauliflower-like shape caused by several warts close together
• Itching or discomfort in your genital area
• Bleeding with intercourse

Genital warts can be so small and flat as to be invisible. Rarely, however, genital warts can multiply into large clusters, in someone with a supressed immune system.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you or your partner develops bumps or warts in the genital area.