Venereal or genital warts is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV). This virus causes warts on the skin, affects both men and women and is transmitted easily through any type of sexual contact.

Venereal warts are very similar in appearance to common skin warts. They may develop from 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure to the virus.

In men, they usually appear near the tip of the penis and sometimes on the shaft or on the scrotum.

In women, they may appear on the vaginal lips, inside the vagina, on the cervix or around the anus. HPV also can cause cervical lesions.

Clinicians usually can diagnose venereal warts by physical examination. Treatment of both affected partners and removal of all the warts are important. Medications applied directly to the warts may be helpful. A procedure involving freezing of tissues often is used. Lasers sometimes are used to remove large venereal warts.

Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s STD clinic offers diagnosis and treatment options for anyone who thinks they are infected with genital warts. The clinic is available on a walk-in basis and pay $20 for the exam and treatment.

Generally, venereal warts are not a serious condition, although they are highly contagious. Women with cervical lesions caused by HPV have a higher risk of cervical cancer. These women should have regular Pap smears.

For more information on Venereal/Genital Warts, contact Maricopa County Public Health Division of STD’s at (602) 506-1678 or visit the Centers for Disease Control website.