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What is it?
Genital warts are found on or around the genital or anal area. They are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes
Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted virus. They result from a viral skin infection caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and are usually painless, posing no serious threat to health.
They are however unpleasant to look at and may cause psychological distress.There is no evidence that they affect fertility.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is a collection of more than 100 different strains of viruses. They affect different parts of the body, including the hands or feet. Approximately 30 different types of HPV affect the genital area; around 90% of all cases are caused by two strains of the virus – type 6 and type 11.
Cervical cancer is caused by other strains of HPV, not those that cause visible genital warts.
How will I know if I’m infected?
Most people with HPV infection do not develop visible warts; it can take up to a year after infection for warts to appear. In some cases, the warts are so small they are difficult to notice.
People can have single warts or “cauliflower” clusters of multiple warts that grow together.
Warts in women:
Warts are commonly found:
Warts in men:
Warts are commonly found:
HPV transmission
HPV can be passed on through close skin to skin contact usually during sexual activity such as:
It is NOT passed on by kissing, hugging or sharing towels, clothing and everyday items such as cutlery or a toilet seat.
Condoms can help to protect against genital warts but they do not cover all of the genital area, so it may be possible to transmit HPV on to uncovered areas of skin.
A mother can pass HPV on to her newborn baby during birth in rare cases and someone with HPV warts on their hands could pass on an infection by touching somebody else’s genitals in very rare cases.
Diagnosing genital warts
Genital warts can usually be easily diagnosed with a simple examination. At a check-up, the doctor or nurse will examine the warts. They may use a magnifying lens to do this.
Other areas of your genital skin may be examined: inside the vagina or around your anus.
A more detailed examination may be necessary:
Vaginal examinations: this will usually be performed with a small plastic or metal tube called a vaginal speculum. It allows the doctor or nurse to see inside the vagina. It is a simple examination and is not usually painful.
Anal examination: this will usually be performed using a small plastic tube called a proctoscope. This will allow the doctor or nurse to see the skin inside the anus. It is not usually painful.
For those experiencing problems with the flow of urine, a special examination of the urethra may be advised. A specialist will perform this.
Treatment depends on where and what type of warts you have. There is no treatment for those with no visible warts.
There are two main types of treatment for genital warts:
Sometimes, a combination of topical treatments is recommended. Treatment can take several months to remove the warts.
It is best to avoid perfumed soap, bath bubbles or lotions while during treatment for warts as these can sometimes irritate the skin.
Topical treatment
There are several topical treatments that can be used to treat genital warts. Some creams can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps. The nurse/doctor will advise you
Topical treatments include:
Physical ablation
There are four main methods used in the physical ablation (removal) of genital warts:
They are performed by a trained doctor or nurse.
Genital warts and sex
To help preventing passing on the infection to others It is recommended you do not have sex, including anal and oral sex, until your genital warts have fully healed.
This also aids, as the skin friction occuring during sex may cause the treated skin to become irritated or inflamed.
Even after removal, there may still be traces of human papilloma virus (HPV) in your skin cells. Using condoms during sex is recommended for the first three months after treatment.
Smoking
Treatment for genital warts is more effective in non-smokers. Quitting smoking may help speed up the healing process after treatment for genital warts.
Using condoms during sexual intercourse can prevent STIs. If you have a new partner, it is a good idea for you both to be tested for sexually transmitted infections before having sex. A vaccine is also available.
HPV vaccines
HPV vaccines are offered to all girls in school year 8 aged 12 to 13 years. Since September 2012, Gardasil has been used to help protect against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause around 90% of genital warts. It also protects against types 16 and 18, which are linked to more than 70% of cases of cervical cancer in the UK.
HPV vaccines are most beneficial before an individual has had sexual contact. It is therefore unclear whether or not it would benefit:
For more information see NHS vaccination age checklist.
