What are genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmissible infection.
How do I know if I have genital warts?
Genital warts present as lumps or rough areas of skin in the genital or anal area. If you have noticed any new lumps on your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus, seek an assessment by a sexual health specialist or General Practitioner.
How do I get genital warts?
Genital warts occur from skin-to-skin contact with somebody who has the infection. Many people who have HPV will show no symptoms, however, may still pass on the infection to their sexual partners. Warts can take several weeks to many months to appear after exposure.
What is the treatment for genital warts?
There are a number of ways that genital warts can be treated. These may include freezing (liquid nitrogen), laser treatment, or by applying a topical treatment that you can use at home. Treatment of genital warts may take several visits and recurrence may occur after any type of treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss which treatment is most suitable for you.
Over-the-counter treatments are not suitable for treating genital warts, as they can damage the skin.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
If your sexual partner has unexplained genital lumps then they should see a doctor/nurse, as they may require treatment. If they do not have any symptoms, they will not be required to attend for assessment.
What else should I know?
- Condoms may provide some protection against getting genital warts.
- Many people do not develop symptoms for a long time after being in contact with warts and some may never develop symptoms.
- Smoking is associated with the presentation of genital warts
- There are many different types of HPV infections and only some have been linked with cancer, including cervical cancer. This is the reason why people with a cervix aged 25 and older should have a Cervical Screening Test (formerly called a ‘pap smear’) every five years, or more regularly depending on the advice of your General Practitioner.
- Vaccination to help prevent wart infections is now available. For further information discuss with your doctor or nurse.