Male Genital Warts

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Genital warts are caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV. This common sexually-transmitted disease is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, although not all strains of HPV cause symptoms, let alone genital warts. While HPV is a well-known risk factor for cervical cancer in women, there are risks to men's health, too. In addition, the symptoms and treatments for male genital warts sufferers differ from those of females.

Symptoms of genital warts in males

Genital warts appear as small growths in the genital area, including the penis, scrotum, anus and thighs. These growths can vary in size and often appear in cauliflower-like clusters. Because many warts are flat, some doctors utilize vinegar or acetic acid to identify them -- warts turn white when the vinegar is applied. It is important to remember that the absence of genital warts does not mean HPV infection is not present, however.

Men who suspect they have genital warts or any other sexually-transmitted illness should visit their doctors for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Treating male genital warts

Genital warts treatment can involve several measures, including surgical removal, application of topical prescription creams and freezing or burning the warts. Removal is not the only means by which warts go away, however -- the immune system eventually clears the virus from the body, but the duration and intensity of wart growth is unpredictable.

Risk factors for males

The strains of HPV that cause genital warts differ from those that cause cancer. While the warts themselves are not pleasant, they are not inherently dangerous. However, the open sores caused by warts can bleed when irritated, which raises the risk of HIV transmission. Additionally, men who participate in high-risk sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners, may carry multiple strains of HPV, including those that do cause penile and anal cancers.

While genital warts are often uncomfortable, they usually pose no danger. Men can reduce the risk of contracting or spreading HPV and other STDs by using condoms with each and every sexual partner. If genital warts do appear, men should visit their doctors to rule out more serious ailments and to take advantage of the wide range of treatments available to relieve discomfort.

The strains of HPV that cause genital warts differ from those that cause cancer