Symptoms of Genital Warts

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), typically appearing in the genital area, around the anus, or inside the mouth. Symptoms include: 1. **Wart-like growths**: In the early stages of genital warts, numerous wart-like growths may appear. These growths may present as small papules with a soft texture and pointed tips, appearing flesh-colored, pink, gray-white, or brown-black. As the condition progresses, these papules may increase in number and size, possibly merging into larger, papillary, cauliflower-like, or comb-like masses. These growths can appear on various areas such as the genitals, anal region, oral cavity, and breasts, depending on the patient's gender and route of infection. 2. **Erosion and inflammation**: If the affected area is not promptly controlled and treated, the growths may begin to erode, become inflamed, and exhibit symptoms such as exudation and ulceration. At this stage, the patient may experience pain or discomfort. 3. **Mild discomfort**: In the early stages of genital warts, the patient may only experience mild discomfort, itching, or localized pain. 4. **Sexual dysfunction**: If the warts develop on the penis, vagina, or other genital areas, patients may experience discomfort during sexual intercourse, and may even have post-coital bleeding. 5. **Irritation**: Genital warts may cause discomfort or irritation in the genital area, such as localized burning or stinging sensations. 6. **Bowel dysfunction**: If genital warts develop inside the rectum, patients may experience symptoms such as difficulty defecating, painful defecation, blood in the stool, and a feeling of tenesmus.