Symptoms and treatment of genital warts or condyloma
Condyloma, also known as genital warts, are warts that typically develop in the genital area of women and men. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted through sexual contact, such as intercourse, oral sex or hands. Condoms and dental dams are partially protective but do not provide full protection. A previous condyloma infection does not provide protection against a new infection. However, HPV vaccines can help to prevent the onset of condyloma.
Basic facts about condyloma
- Genital warts, also known as condyloma, are warts in the genital area
- Condyloma is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
- The human papillomavirus is transmitted through sexual contact, such as intercourse, oral sex or hands.
- Condoms and dental dams are partially protective.
- HPV vaccines can help to prevent the onset of condyloma.
Services
Condyloma in women can be detected, for example, at a gynaecologist's examination. If you detect any warts that resemble condyloma, you can book an appointment with your gynaecologist through an online appointment booking service or by calling +358 (0) 10 414 00. (local network rate/mobile charge)
Book an appointment with a gynaecologistIf you think you might have condyloma, you can book an appointment with a dermatologist to determine whether there is an infection.
You can book an appointment with a dermatologist through our online appointment booking service or by calling +358 (0)10 414 00 (local network rate/mobile charge).
Book an appointment with a dermatologistSymptoms of genital warts or condyloma
The symptoms of condyloma vary from person to person and occur differently in men and women. Many people with an infection do not have any visible symptoms, which is why it is a good idea to get tested if you suspect an infection.
Symptoms of condyloma in men
Condyloma can cause symptoms such as warts in the glans penis, the body of the penis, the anal region or the scrotum, for example. Some people with an infection have no visible symptoms of condyloma. It can take months or even years from the infection for the symptoms and warts to appear.
Symptoms of condyloma in women
Women may experience condyloma in the vulva or the vagina. HPV infections are almost always asymptomatic in women and the infection caused by the papillomavirus can be found as a random finding with an HPV test or a Pap smear. Your gynaecologist will provide you with further details of the treatment and how often the Pap smear should be performed.
Treatment of genital warts or condyloma
Condyloma in women can be detected, for example, at a gynaecologist's examination and, in men, in a doctor's examination. HPV infections cannot be detected with blood tests. Condyloma in the genital area can be treated by topical treatment, cryotherapy or laser therapy.
The expert for this article was Veli-Jukka Anttila, a specialist in infectious diseases and internal medicine.
Frequently asked questions about condyloma
Condyloma, or genital warts, is a wart usually found in the genital area. Condyloma can occur in women and men. Condyloma is caused by the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted through sex.
In women, HPV infections are almost always asymptomatic. A condyloma can develop in the vulva or vagina and be discovered at random with an HPV test or in a Pap smear. In some cases, men with an HPV infection do not develop any visible warts, but for some, the virus can cause warts in the glans penis, the body of the penis, the anal region or the scrotum, for example. It can take months or even years from the infection for the warts to appear. If you detect any warts that resemble condyloma, you may book an appointment with your personal gynaecologist or dermatovenereologist.
The human papillomavirus that causes condyloma is transmitted through sex, such as intercourse, oral sex or hands. Condoms and dental dams are partially protective but do not provide full protection. Only HPV vaccines can prevent the onset of the disease.
HPV infections cannot be detected with laboratory tests, but condyloma can be detected in a doctor's clinical examination, for example, at a gynaecologist's examination.