HPV Symptoms
How Do They Appear in Women and Men?

Genital warts appear on the genital skin and mucosa and are medically called genital condyloma. They are mostly seen in areas where there is irritation.

In women they can be seen at the vaginal entrance, on the vulva, in the area between the vagina and the anus, on the anus and on the cervix. In men they are more often observed in the area of the penile foreskin, at the base of the penis and on the anus.

These lesions may be flat, smooth, stalked or without a stalk. Sometimes they look like a small skin tag, and sometimes they can appear as cauliflower-shaped clustered structures.

Can HPV Cause Symptoms in the Mouth and Throat?

HPV can be seen not only in the genital area but also in the mouth, tongue and throat. This can occur particularly after oral contact. Lesions inside the mouth are usually in the form of small bumps.

Does High-Risk HPV Cause Symptoms?

High-risk HPV types most often do not produce any externally visible symptom. These types can settle in the cervical cells and remain silent for years.

In the case of long-term infection, cellular changes may develop. These changes can turn into precancerous lesions and, rarely, into cancer. For this reason, regular smear tests and HPV tests are of great importance.

HPV infection often progresses silently. The absence of symptoms does not mean there is no infection. Regular check-ups are vitally important for early diagnosis.

When Does HPV Cause Symptoms?

After HPV is transmitted, symptoms may appear weeks, months or even years later. For this reason, it is often not possible to determine exactly when the infection was acquired.

Factors such as a weakened immune system, smoking and chronic stress can pave the way for the virus to become active.