Genital Warts
Genital warts are a very common form of sexually transmitted infection; they are the second most common form of STI after chlamydia.
Genital warts are most common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. They are caused by some strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), or wart virus.
Genital warts are most common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. They are caused by some strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), or wart virus.
How do you catch it?
Genital warts can easily be passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact:
• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Intimate touching
• Shared sex toys
• Can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby
You do not need to have penetrative sex to pass it on. Condoms do not provide complete protection because it is possible for the skin around your genital area (that is not covered by the condom) to become infected.
The genital warts are usually painless and do not pose a serious risk to your health. However, they can look unpleasant and cause some distress.
The genital warts are usually painless and do not pose a serious risk to your health. However, they can look unpleasant and cause some distress.
Symptoms
The warts can take a year or more to develop after being passed on. They are not always visible, especially if they occur in the vagina or anus. They can be quite tiny so are difficult to see or feel. They can be:
• Small fleshy growths
• Flat or smooth bumps
• Large pink lumps
• On their own or in groups
They can be found in:
Women:
On the vulva (the lips around the opening of the vagina), the cervix (entrance to the womb), upper thighs, in the vagina, in or around the anus.
Men:
On the penis, scrotum, urethra, upper thighs, in or around the anus.
On the penis, scrotum, urethra, upper thighs, in or around the anus.
Genital warts can cause bleeding from the anus or urethra. If your flow of urine is distorted that can be a sign of warts in the urethra.
Treatment
Warts can be treated by applying special ointments, by freezing or surgical removal under local anaesthetic. The treatment depends on what the warts look like, how many they are and where they are.
Tests for genital warts can be done at GUM or sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries. Tests are free; you may have to pay a prescription charge for treatment if you go via your GP. Tests are free through the NHS. You may have to pay a prescription charge for treatment if you go through your GP.
