Genital warts are the expression of the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. These warts are spread easily by skin contact. Though the warts appear on the genitals, they can be spread to other parts of the body. For example, if a person with HPV neglects to wash his hands after touching the affected area, he can spread the virus via hand contact. It is important to diagnose genital warts as early as possible so treatment may be initiated and the spread of the virus halted.
Burning
An early symptom of genital warts can be a burning sensation anywhere in the genital area, including the anus. This sign may or may not be accompanied by others. Burning can be attributed to many other conditions besides HPV, but should be checked out by a physician.
Itching
The presence of itching in the genital area can be an early symptom of the HPV. The itching can be mild or intense. In men it is most likely worse on the head of the penis, while women often find the itching severe on the vulva. Try not to scratch the itchy areas, for if you have genital warts, you may spread the infection to other areas.
Moisture
When you have HPV, you may initially notice an increase in moisture in your genital area. The dampness may be your earliest sign of an infection, so it should not be dismissed. This moisture can be present in both men and women. Women may notice a substantial increase in vaginal fluid. Other conditions such as a yeast infection may be diagnosed, but HPV should be ruled out as a possible cause.
Pain
Another early sign of genital warts is pain during sexual intercourse. While it is not always present, it is a good indicator that something is wrong. Women tend to experience this symptom more often than men, and it may be accompanied by vaginal bleeding. Medical attention should be sought anytime there is pain during or after sexual relations.
Bumps
By far the most telling sign of genital warts is the appearance of bumps. In men, these may be tiny papules that appear on the shaft of the penis. In women, the raised or flat bumps are usually noticed first on the vulva. Though these may start as extremely small the bumps will likely grow into sizable clusters and spread quickly throughout the genital area. You should refrain from having intercourse until you have been seen by a physician, received appropriate treatment and given the go-ahead by the doctor.
