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Are Genital Warts External And Visible?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Question: Ive never had symptoms of genital warts and have not had penetrative sex. However, my last partner from a year ago-- our genitals briefly touched each other. I was never aware of him having genital warts but, from this act, if he did have them, would they appear externally only and be visible? Or would it be possible for them to appear in the vagina or at the cervix, even without penetration? I'm paranoid but just wanted to ask.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
they are visible mostly

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

most cases involve visible warts, mostly the introitus less commonly the labia (major/minor) and the clitoris. The vagina, the cervix and the urethra (but also the perineum and anus depending on the mode of transmission obviously) may be involved. If you're getting a regular examination (once a year is OK) by a gynecologist then you shouldn't worry about 'hidden' warts.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)
Awesome. Thank you! Ive had annial gyecology exams/annual paps and actually had 2 exams since prior relationship (most recent one was in february was for vaginal itching where she visually examined the area and ran tests to discover i had a yeast infection.) so anything in an area i couldnt see myself would be detected during gynecological exam? I do wonder how warts would appear in vagina/cervix without penetration?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
they can't!

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

Perhaps a misunderstanding - the fault on my side for not giving you all the details! When I wrote about the vagina and cervix, I meant that they are potential locations for developing warts. If you didn't come into direct contact with the virus then transmission cannot occur. Contact is required!

Please also note that besides warts there are other 'invisible' forms of the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), which may predispose to cancer. A regular Pap-test makes sure you'll discover pre-malignant cells on time!

Kind Regards!

Kind Regards!


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)
Got it. So if i was exposed to the wart-causing hpv and my body didnt fight it off, that would show up on thr vulva, labia, clitorus because thays where contact occured? I appreciate the thoroughness with your answers.I drive myself to needless worry!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
probably yes but...

Detailed Answer:
If you've only had 'external' contact and nothing is visible then you're probably OK. But please remember that other forms of penetration may transmit the virus, like inserting an infected finger for example, even if the partner's genitals are not infected! Of course a lesion has to exist, which I'm sure you would have noticed.

Kind Regards!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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Are Genital Warts External And Visible?

Brief Answer: they are visible mostly Detailed Answer: Hello, most cases involve visible warts, mostly the introitus less commonly the labia (major/minor) and the clitoris. The vagina, the cervix and the urethra (but also the perineum and anus depending on the mode of transmission obviously) may be involved. If you're getting a regular examination (once a year is OK) by a gynecologist then you shouldn't worry about 'hidden' warts. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!