Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) . They can appear on the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anus, and look like skin-colored or whitish bumps that can be big or small. They can also appear as large clusters and have a bumpy cauliflower look. Sometimes, genital warts can form inside the vagina and be hard to spot. They might be itchy, but most of the time they don’t hurt. Not all bumps on the genitals are warts, and there are other infections and normal skin conditions that might look like a wart but are something else. If you think you have genital warts, it’s important to get checked out by a nurse or doctor.

In men, genital warts may appear on the penis, scrotum, or around the anus. For men, there’s no reliable test that can find the virus responsible for genital warts, so they need to ask their doctor for an exam or get regular exams. In women, genital warts appear in and around the vagina, vulva, or anus, or on the cervix. Sometimes, you can have genital warts but show no symptoms at all. If you’re a woman who’s had unprotected sex, you’ll want to have your doctor examine you.

It is important to note that not all bumps on the genitals are genital warts, and there are other infections and normal skin conditions that might look like a wart but are something else. If you or your partner develops bumps or warts in the genital area, it is important to see a doctor right away.