Overview

What Is Genital Condyloma?

Genital condyloma, also known as genital warts, is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are dozens of strains of HPV that can cause warts and other conditions.

Genital warts tend to be very small and hard to notice. The virus primarily grows on the penis, around the rectum, in the vagina or on the cervix (the passage between the vagina and the uterus), or they can develop in the throat.

Left untreated, certain strains of HPV can lead to cell changes that cause cancer. Genital warts can be passed to babies born vaginally. Your physician may recommend a Caesarean section or special treatments for the baby.  

Regular checkups and early discovery of genital warts are recommended to avoid complications. The earlier genital warts are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat.

There is now an HPV vaccine that has routinely been given to teenage girls and boys for the last several years. The HPV vaccine requires a series of three shots spread out over several months. It is recommended for girls up to age 26 and boys up to age 21, as well as anyone who is at a greater risk of getting HPV.

The only other way to prevent getting genital warts is to avoid having vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you are sexually active:

• Use a condom or dental dam every time you have sex.
• Only have sex with a partner who has been tested and is free of STDs.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about STDs. If you have genital warts, tell your partner.

Do not have sex when warts are present.