"What are the Symptoms of Female Genital Warts?"

Genital Warts: An STD Caused by HPV Virus

Genital warts are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are a form of skin and mucous membrane lesions. The symptoms of female genital warts primarily manifest in their growth locations, appearance, and associated discomforts.

1. Growth Locations

Genital warts commonly appear in the genital region, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, perineum, and perianal area. Additionally, they can also develop in the mouth, armpits, and breasts.

2. Appearance of Warts

In the early stages, female genital warts often present as single or multiple, scattered, white or light red, papillary warts with a soft texture and sharp, finger-like projections at the tips. As the condition progresses, they may proliferate, transforming into papillary, cauliflower-like, or cockscomb-shaped growths. These warts are often white, pink, or misty gray, with fragile surfaces prone to damage, erosion, exudation, maceration, or rupture, potentially leading to bleeding and infection. Cervical warts are typically smaller, with smooth, granular, or grooved surfaces, and may significantly increase during pregnancy.

3. Physical Discomforts

Most women do not experience notable symptoms in the early stages of genital warts. However, a minority may feel a sense of foreign body, burning pain, itching, or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

4. Clinical Tests

Clinical diagnosis of genital warts often involves the acetic acid white test and dermatoscopy. In females, the results of the acetic acid white test are generally positive. Identification of pseudocondyloma, which commonly occurs on the labia minora and vaginal vestibulum, is also crucial. Pseudocondyloma presents as smooth, white or light red, symmetrically distributed papules with no symptoms and negative results in the acetic acid white test. It is a normal physiological variation unrelated to HPV infection, thus requiring no undue alarm.