Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Once you have the virus, it can remain in the body and be passed on before the warts are noticeable, or after they have disappeared. Warts can be external or internal. In women warts can be found on or in the vagina, vulva, cervix and anus. In men, warts can be found on or around the penis, scrotum and urethra, and on or inside the anus. The virus can be spread if you have vaginal or anal sex, or share sex toys. It is possible, but unusual to develop warts in the mouth or on the lips from oral sex. Warts can spread to the area around the anus without having anal sex.

Sign and symptoms

It can take from two weeks to several months or longer after coming into contact with the virus before the warts may appear. If you do get visible warts you may notice small, fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes which appear anywhere in the genital or anal area. You might see or feel them, or your partner may notice them. They can be flat, smooth, small bumps or quite large, pink, cauliflower-like lumps. Warts can appear on their own, or in groups, genital warts are usually painless. They may occasionally itch and cause some inflammation, they may also cause some bleeding from the anus or urethra.

If left untreated

The body can often fight off HPV without treatment. If left untreated genital warts may disappear, but some stay the same, or grow larger in number and size. However if you delay seeking treatment you risk passing the virus on to someone else.