Sexual health tests

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted viral infection. It can be passed on through unprotected anal, vaginal and occasionally oral sex. Not everyone who contracts the virus will develop genital warts, but the virus can still be passed on to others through sexual activity. The virus is usually cleared from the body over time (can be several months or even years) without treatment and very rarely causes any long-term health problems.

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Although the same type of virus is associated with cervical cancer, genital warts are not cancerous and do not cause cancer.

What are the signs & symptoms of genital warts?

If you start to develop warts, then this can occur anywhere from three weeks to many years after encountering the virus. This makes it difficult to pinpoint where the infection may have started, especially if you have had multiple sexual partners.

• Females - warts can appear on the vulva, cervix or in the vagina.
• Males - warts can appear on the penis, scrotum or the urethra.
• Genital warts may also be found on the upper thighs or around the anus (outside or inside).
• Often, they are small and difficult to spot. They can be flat, smooth or cauliflower like in appearance. They can also differ in size (small or large).
• They can be isolated warts or appear in clusters.
• Normally painless in nature but can sometimes be itchy and inflamed.
• May cause bleeding from the anus or the urethra.

If you suspect you may have genital warts, then it is advisable to get checked. You can have more than one sexually transmitted infection at one time, and it is therefore recommended to get checked for other infections if -

• You have a new diagnosis for genital warts.
• If either you or your partner have any symptoms.
• You have a new sexual partner.
• You or a partner have recently had unprotected sex with other partners.
• You have been informed by a sexual partner that they have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection.
• You are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

How are genital warts passed on?

There are over 100 different types of HPV which can affect different parts of body. 30 of these viruses can be found around the genital area but usually only 2 of these viruses result in genital warts. The virus can be passed on from person to person during sexual contact. This can be -

• Vaginal or anal sex (occasionally through oral sex).
• Close genital contact (non-penetrative).
• The virus cannot pass through a condom but can still be passed by making contact with infected skin which isn't cover by the condom.
• The virus is easily passed from the genital area to the area around the anus without the need to have anal sex.

Genital warts CANNOT be passed on by kissing, hugging, sharing baths, towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing any equipment.

How do you diagnose genital warts?

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination of the warts. Warts can appear anytime from 3 weeks to years after contact with the virus. A doctor or nurse will usually look at the warts (sometimes under a magnifying lens) to confirm the diagnosis. Very rarely do they require to take a biopsy for further examination.

There is no routine blood test available for diagnosis of genital warts.

Treatment options

Since genital warts are caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective against them. If left untreated, most genital warts will go away on their own but this can take some time. Using treatment will help clear up the infection faster and the option of treatment will be given following a confirmed diagnosis. Genital warts can be removed in several ways -

• Applying a liquid/cream treatment to the warts directly.
• Freezing.
• Laser treatment.
• Heat therapy.
• Surgery.

Treatment will be dependent on the severity of the infection and your ability to fight of the infection.

Some treatments can be a little uncomfortable but are usually not painful. Warts treatments sold over the pharmacy counter are not suitable for genital warts. During treatment it is best to avoid the use of perfumed soaps, lotion, creams and bath products as these are likely to irritate the skin.

Girls aged 12-13 years old are offered the HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer (caused by HPV 16 & 18). The same vaccine also confers immunity against genital warts (caused by HPV 6 & 11).

You should inform your sexual partner/s of your diagnosis. Your partner/s should then plan to get checked for other sexually transmitted infections as well as having a look for any warts which they may not have noticed.

How soon after treatment can I have sex again?

It is advisable to avoid engaging sexual intercourse until the warts have cleared up. The use of condoms can help limit the spread of the infection if used whilst the warts are present and for 3 months after the treatment.

Genital warts and pregnancy

There is no evidence to suggest fertility is affected by the presence of genital warts or by the human papillomavirus which causes genital warts.

During pregnancy warts can grow in size and number. They can be treated safely but you should make your doctor aware you are pregnant. Sometimes treatment is delayed until after birth. If the warts get too big then they may need to be removed to avoid any complications during the birthing process.

Although very rare, the virus can be passed onto the baby during a vaginal delivery.

Stop the spread of genital warts

Stop the spread of genital warts by following the advice below -

• Always wear a condom when engaging in vaginal or anal sex. This will prevent you from catching or passing on most STI's and to a certain extent will prevent you passing or catching genital warts (especially important during the presence of warts and for 3 months after the disappear).
• Always use a condom to cover the penis or a dam to cover the vulva when you engage in oral sex.
• Avoid sharing any sex toys. If you do share toys, make sure they are washed thoroughly or covered with a new condom before someone else uses them.

Useful Information

For more information on genital warts Click here

For further information on other sexually transmitted infections Click here