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Genital Warts

Genital warts are quite common. They look like the warts you get on your hands but you get them down below.

They're easily treated. But once you have the wart virus it can take months or years to clear it from your system in which time the warts can come back.

Signs and symptoms
Small pinkish/white lumps or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps.

Can appear on the vulva, penis, scrotum or anus in the vagina and on the cervix.

It usually takes 1-3 months from infection for warts to appear, but can take much longer.

They may itch but are usually painless.

Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts.

How do you get it?
Skin-to-skin contact, and during vaginal or anal sex.

Testing and treatment
A doctor or nurse can usually tell whether you have genital warts just by examining you. An internal examination may be carried out to check for warts in the vagina or anus though.

Usually a clinic will prescribe an anti-wart liquid or cream such as Podophyllotoxin, which can be used at home. Another common treatment is freezing. Treatment may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Never try to treat genital warts by yourself — always seek medical advice.

Long-term effects
Some people find the warts come back at some point in future.