Genital warts

Last reviewed: 22 Aug 2023
Last updated: 20 Jun 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • increased risk of exposure to HPV
  • immunocompromise
  • sessile exophytic papillomas
More key diagnostic factors

Other diagnostic factors

  • asymptomatic
  • pruritus
  • bleeding
  • pain
  • urinary symptoms
Other diagnostic factors

Risk factors

  • intercourse at an early age
  • increasing number of lifetime sexual partners
  • young sexually active adults
  • increasing number of partner's lifetime sexual partners
  • immunocompromise
More risk factors

Diagnostic investigations

1st investigations to order

  • no initial test
More 1st investigations to order

Investigations to consider

  • biopsy
  • anoscopy
  • urethroscopy
More investigations to consider

Treatment algorithm

ONGOING

nonpregnant and immunocompetent

immunocompromised

pregnant

Contributors

Authors

Natalia Mendoza, MD

Pariser Dermatology Specialist

Williamsburg

VA

Disclosures

NM declares that she has no competing interests.

Stephen K. Tyring, MD, PhD, MBA

Clinical Professor

Departments of Dermatology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Internal Medicine

University of Texas Health Science Center

Houston

TX

Disclosures

SKT declares that he has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr Natalia Mendoza and Dr Stephen K. Tyring would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Brenda L. Pellicane, a previous contributor to this topic.

Disclosures

BLP declares that she has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Angela Moore, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Galveston

TX

Disclosures

AM declares that she has no competing interests.

Steve Baguley, FRCP, MSc

Consultant Genitourinary Physician

Woolmanhill Hospital

Aberdeen

Scotland

UK

Disclosures

SB declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Genital warts images
  • Differentials

    • Condyloma latum
    • Molluscum contagiosum
    • Pearly penile papules
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  • Guidelines

    • Recommended adult immunization schedule for adults ages 19 years or older: United States, 2022
    • Reducing sexually transmitted infections
    More Guidelines
  • Patient leaflets

    Genital warts

    HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine

    More Patient leaflets
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