What are genital warts and HPV?
Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts appear as small, fleshy growths around the genital and anal areas. While they can be uncomfortable or concerning, they are usually harmless and can be treated.
HPV is a very common virus, and most people will contract some strain of it in their lifetime. For many, the virus causes no symptoms, but in some cases, it can lead to genital warts. It's important to know that there are different types of HPV: the strains causing genital warts are not the same as those that can lead to cervical or other types of cancer, although both are forms of HPV.
How do you get genital warts and HPV?
HPV is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and it can also be transmitted by sharing sex toys. What's important to note is that you can pass on HPV even if you don't have visible symptoms. Warts might not always be noticeable, especially if they're located inside the vagina or rectum, so it's possible to spread the virus without knowing.
What are the symptoms of genital warts?
The main symptom of genital warts is the appearance of small, fleshy lumps in the genital or anal areas. They may be painless for most people, although some people do experience itching, irritation, or bleeding. In rare cases, there may be changes in urination, such as a change in the direction of urine flow.
It can take months or even years for warts to appear after contracting the virus, and sometimes, warts don't appear at all. If you notice any unusual changes or growths, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis.
How are genital warts and HPV diagnosed?
If you notice any growths or changes in your genital or anal areas, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. A healthcare professional will examine the warts and ask about your sexual history. Depending on the location of the warts, they may need to look inside your vagina, anus, or urethra.
Treatment for genital warts
Although there's no permanent cure for HPV or genital warts, there are effective treatments available that can help manage symptoms and remove the warts. Common treatments include:
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Topical treatments: creams or solutions that you apply directly to the warts
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Cryotherapy: freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen so they fall off
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Minor surgery: a local anaesthetic is used to remove the warts surgically
Treatments can take time, and sometimes warts may return, but with the right care, your body may eventually fight off the virus over time. If the warts do come back, there are more options to manage them.
