Genital warts affect around 2 million Americans a year.  These warts belong to a type of virus called the human papilloma virus, and are spread through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.  The warts look like small bumps or cauliflower-like clusters, and appear on the genitals, the anus or in the throat or urethra.  Once a person has been infected by the virus, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a year for the warts appear. They often itch, but are seldom painful.

There are a number of treatments available for genital warts. They can be treated by painting them with a liquid called Podophyllin, several applications which are necessary. There are also other ointments which work. You can also freeze the warts with liquid nitrogen, use laser therapy to burn off the warts, or use cauterization treatments. It should be noted that even though the outer wart can be easily removed, the virus remains within the skin layers. Because of this, usually more than one treatment application may be needed to fully get rid of the warts.