Genital warts

Genital warts are noncancerous growths on or around the genitals or anus, usually caused by human papillomavirus types 6 or 11.

Human papillomavirus: Human papillomavirus is a large group of viruses that infect skin and mucous membranes. Genital warts are manifestations of HPV infection, most often from types 6 or 11.
Sexually transmitted infection: A sexually transmitted infection is an infection passed primarily through sexual contact. HPV that causes genital warts is commonly transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
High-risk human papillomavirus: High-risk human papillomavirus types can cause precancerous cell changes and several cancers. The HPV types that usually cause genital warts are generally distinct from cancer-associated types.
HPV vaccination: HPV vaccination uses vaccines that protect against selected human papillomavirus types. Vaccines can prevent most genital warts by targeting HPV 6 and 11 before exposure.
Recurrence: Recurrence is the return of a disease or lesion after it has improved or been treated. Genital warts can return after removal because treatment may leave HPV in nearby tissue.
HPV 6: HPV 6 is a low-risk human papillomavirus type that commonly causes genital warts. It is one of the two HPV types responsible for most genital warts.
Epithelial tissue: Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces and lines cavities, including the skin and genital mucosa. HPV infects epithelial cells, where wart-producing changes arise.
Genital herpes: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex viruses that produces recurrent sores or blisters. Herpes lesions can be mistaken for warts, but they have a different cause and appearance.
Podophyllotoxin: Podophyllotoxin is a topical medicine that destroys wart tissue and is used for certain external genital warts. It offers a patient-applied treatment option for suitable lesions.
Psychological effects of sexually transmitted infections: Psychological effects of sexually transmitted infections include distress, stigma, anxiety, and relationship concerns. A genital-wart diagnosis can provoke worry or stigma despite the lesions' benign nature.

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