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Information about Genital Warts | Print |  E-mail

These are small fleshy growths which may appear anywhere on a man or woman's genital areas.

In 2004 more then 80,000 cases of genital warts were diagnosed in the UK making it the second most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in Britain after chlamydia.
Genital Warts are caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (known as HPV). It is estimated that there are more than 80 different types of Human Papilloma Virus - some cause genital warts, others cause warts on other parts of the body, for example, the hands.

An effective vaccine against Genital Warts and Cervical Cancer in women, called Gardasil, has recently been approved by health authorities in Europe and is now available to patients of the Regents Park Clinic. Click here for further information

What are the signs and symptoms of Genital Warts?

Following infection with wart virus it usually takes between 1 and 3 months for warts to appear, although some cases take longer, possibly up to one year. A proportion of people who come into contact with the virus do not develop warts at all - this is known as a 'Sub-clinical infection'.

Warts can appear around the vulva, in the vagina, the penis, the scrotum or the anus. They can be single or in groups. They may itch, but are usually painless. There may be no symptoms or, where there are, they may be difficult to see.

In women, warts can develop on the cervix and this may occasionally cause slight bleeding or an unusual discharge.

How are Genital Warts passed on?

Warts are spread through skin-to-skin contact. Genital warts usually develop following sex or genital contact with someone who already has them. They can be passed on during vaginal or anal sex. It is possible for warts to spread to the area around the anus without having had anal sex.

What are the tests for Genital Warts and the HPV Virus?

Checking for genital warts involves a visual inspection of the genital area by a doctor. The diagnosis is often made just by looking at the area, while sometimes a solution may be applied to see if any warts change colour. An internal examination of the vagina or anus may be necessary.

A HPV test is now available which checks for infection by 35 different types of the HPV virus, including all of the high-risk types. The test consists of a swab sample from the cervix and the vagina in women and is quite sensitive.

What is the treatment?

A common treatment is freezing the warts. This is known as Cryotherapy.

Another common treatment is the application of one of two special creams to the warts. Called Podophylloxin and Imiquimod, these treatments are applied at home over a number of weeks. More than one kind of treatment is often necessary before the warts are gone. These treatments may be uncomfortable but they should not be painful. Advice on sex while infected should be sought from the clinic doctor/health advisor/nurse. Never try to treat genital warts by yourself without seeking medical advice.

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, it is important to inform the doctor, as Podophyllin treatment could be harmful to the developing baby and an alternative treatment can be used.

What follow-up will I need?

All patients with genital warts should have tests for the other common sexually transmitted infections and possibly also an HIV test depending on the patient's sexual history. Sexual partner(s) should have a check-up.

It is important to return regularly for treatment until the warts have gone so that progress can be checked and any necessary changes in treatment can be instituted.

Treatment can take a long time. Some people whose warts initially disappear will suffer a recurrence although it is impossible to predict if or when this will happen.

Warts and the Cervix

Some types of wart virus may be linked to changes in cervical cells that can lead to cancer. It is important for all sexually active women over 20 years of age to have regular cervical smear tests.

There is no direct link between the types of wart virus causing visible genital warts and cancer of the cervix

If a problem is suspected a Colposcopy is done to look at cells on the cervix - this is a kind of small telescope used to give a magnified view of the cervix. Samples ('biopsies') may be taken at this time.

If there are genital warts on the cervix, vagina or intra-anally, specialist treatment may be required. Removal is often by freezing or by laser treatment under local anaesthetic.