Genital warts

Genital warts are spread by having sex with someone who has the virus, even if you can’t see any warts. It can take many weeks, months, or even years before any genital warts show. Genital warts are very easy to catch and pass on to your partner/s.

Genital warts are very common. Most sexually active people have probably been exposed to HPV, but never get genital warts. This is why vaccination to prevent infection is so important. It reduces the spread of genital warts and significantly reduces the incidence of HPV-related cancers.

If you see or feel unusual lumps on your genitals, or if you have had sex with someone who has genital warts, your doctor.

Genital warts may not always be obvious, such as when they occur on the cervix (the neck of the womb) or inside the urethra (the tube leading out from the bladder or anus(bum hole)).

Your doctor can check for genital warts and any other STIs. Your partner/s should also be checked.

Warts often go away by themselves without treatment. Your doctor can treat genital warts in several ways, and will tell you the best one for you. Options include:

• podophyllotoxin paint (not suitable for pregnant people)
• cryotherapy (warts are frozen off with liquid nitrogen)
• imiquimod cream (not suitable for pregnant women)
• laser treatment
• surgical removal.

Don’t use lotions made for other types of warts.

All sexual partners should be checked, and treated if they have genital warts.

What do after treatment

• Avoid sex during the treatment period.
• HPV can affect areas not covered by a condom, so they do not offer complete protection. Condoms can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting HPV.

Yes, there is a vaccine that can protect you against some types of HPV that can cause genital warts, cervical and other types of genital cancers. Talk to your healthcare provider about if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

You can reduce the risks of getting genital warts (and other STIs) by following this advice:

• Always use condoms and / or dams and water-based lubricant. Condoms are the best way to protect you both from STIs. Always use condoms during vaginal and anal sex, and dams during oral sex, until you’re totally sure that both you and your partner don’t have an STI.
• Have regular STI checks.
• Young people should be HPV vaccine before they become sexually active. Free HPV vaccination is available through the Adolescent immunisation.