Genital warts, which are also called veneral warts, are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in the world. Early detection is important for effective treatment because, left untreated, they can spread rapidly. Here are some of the symptoms of genital warts in women that you can look out for.
Lesions
Genital warts are flesh-colored or gray lesions, and typically develop on the skin of a woman's vagina, cervix, vulva or anus. They often appear as raised bumps, but may also be flat, with just a slight elevation from the skin surface. The lesions vary in size from less than 1 milliliter to more than 2 inches across. Genital warts typically develop in the moist areas of the vaginal opening and labia minora. They may also occur in the cervix or anus. There may be increased moistness in the infected area.
Bleeding
When a genital wart is located in the woman's urethra (the opening from which urine exits the body), it may cause abnormal bleeding that is unrelated to the woman's menstrual periods. Warts in this area may also obstruct the urethra, hindering the flow of urine. Bleeding warts or warts that cause urinary obstructions must be treated promptly.
Increased Vaginal Secretions
Another unusual symptom of genital warts in women is an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge. This may result when genital warts infect the vaginal canal. The secretions may not be directly caused by the warts themselves, but rather by an irritation of the vaginal wall.
Localized Itching
Genital warts may cause localized itching in the area of wart infection. This symptom is one of the easiest ones to overlook or disregard, because when it occurs, the genital wart infection may be mistaken for a skin rash. In rare cases, genital warts may also cause extreme pain. This is usually a burning, painful sensation at the site of the wart infection.
Painful Intercourse
In the event that the genital warts develop in the vaginal canal, it may cause discomfort or pain during as well as after sexual intercourse. This may occur when the warts manifest in the entrance of the woman's vagina. When this happens, vaginal bleeding may also result from intercourse.
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