Genital
Warts
Genital warts are small lumps that appear around the vagina, penis or anus. They are a fairly common sexually transmitted infection.
It can often take a few weeks or months for symptoms of genital warts to show after having sex with an infected person.
Symptoms
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The virus can be passed on even when there are no visible warts.
The virus can be passed on even when there are no visible warts.
• Small, rough lumps on the skin, they can appear around the vagina, penis or anus. The warts may appear on their own or in a group and can be soft or firm.
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Pain or discomfort during sex
Genital warts can be passed on through:
• Skin-to-skin contact with infected area (including vaginal, anal or oral sex).
• Sharing sex toys with someone who has the virus.
• Transferring the infection on your fingers from someone else to your own genitals.
• Sharing sex toys with someone who has the virus.
• Transferring the infection on your fingers from someone else to your own genitals.
Getting checked for Genital warts
Healthcare professionals can usually diagnose genital warts by looking at them, they may:
• Ask you questions about your symptoms
• Look at the lumps around your genitals and anus
• Possibly look inside your vagina, anus or urethra (tube where wee comes out), depending on where the warts are
You can to talk to your GP, school nurse or pastoral officer if you cannot access the sexual health service or go into a pharmacy for advice.
You will be directed to a trusted website regarding Sexual Health services.
Treatment
Treatment for genital warts isn’t always needed.
Sometimes they go away on their own within 6 months, however you should always seek advice from a health professional like your GP or someone at the local sexual health clinic.
If treatment is recommended though, it will be prescribed by a doctor. The type of treatment offered will depend on what the warts look like and where they are.
Treatment Options
• Cream, liquid or ointment – these can usually be applied by yourself at home
• Freezing (cryotherapy) – this treatment can be painful and may need to be repeated several times
• Surgery – warts are either cut out, or removed using heat or a laser (using a local anaesthetic to numb the area before)
• Freezing (cryotherapy) – this treatment can be painful and may need to be repeated several times
• Surgery – warts are either cut out, or removed using heat or a laser (using a local anaesthetic to numb the area before)
