What are genital warts? 

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted condition caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Genital warts can be flat with stalks, or cauliflower-like, and are most often seen on the genitals or the area around the rectum. 

HPV can be divided into several sub-categories. Some types are more resistant to treatment than others, and some are associated with the early stages of cancer in the genitals. 

Genital warts are a very common viral sexually transmitted disease. The disease usually hits young people in their 20s. 

How do you get genital warts? 

Genital  warts are mainly spread through sexual contact. 

In rare cases both adults and children are infected indirectly, for instance through the use of an infected towel. Babies can also be infected during delivery. 

What are the signs of genital warts? 

Genital warts do not appear until two to four weeks after infection and sometimes months pass before  the warts become visible. 

Genital warts do not usually hurt, but they  can be itchy. The warts  have varied appearances - from completely flat warts to rough cauliflower-like warts. They can appear on their own  or in groups. 

In males, genital warts often appear on  the penis or underneath the foreskin. The  warts can also be situated  in the urethra, in most cases at  the very end of it, and the area  around the rectum. 

In females, genital warts appear  on the lips of the vulva, in the vagina, or by the urethra. Genital warts can also appear in and around the rectum. 

Genital warts can be so flat that they become invisible to the naked eye, but they usually make themselves felt through an itchy and burning sensation. 'Invisible'  genital warts can be detected by a doctor as described below. 

Who is at risk? 

• People  with many sexual partners. 
• People who do  not practise safe sex. 
• Good advice 
• Use a condom - it will partially protect you against genital warts. 
• Anyone in doubt should contact  their doctor who will examine and  treat them and also their partner  or partners. 
  
• A sudden and strong eruption  of genital warts could suggest  a defect in the immune system perhaps caused by HIV - anyone affected should contact their doctor immediately. 
  

How does the doctor make the diagnosis? 

• Through a clinical examination. 
• To detect 'invisible'  genital warts the doctor will swab the skin with acetic acid. The  genital warts will then show as white patches on the skin. 

How are genital  warts treated? 

• It is important that both partners  are treated. Make sure you follow  the treatment -  genital warts  are easy to treat when they are  small and few. 
• Genital warts can be treated by swabbing with the cell poison, podophyllotoxin (Condyline). 
• Some cases may be referred to a specialist  in skin  and sexually transmitted diseases who will remove  the warts under local anaesthesia using surgery, freezing, or laser treatment. 

Outlook 

• Anyone who has previously been infected with  genital warts runs  the risk that they will return now and then for the rest of their life. However, sometimes there is only one outbreak. 
• The treatment can last for months. 
• Some wart types  are thought to be connected to the occurrence of cell changes in the neck of the uterus and cancer in the sexual organs. It is therefore a good idea for women with  genital warts in the vagina to  have a smear test as well as following  the prescribed treatment  and having the normal tests. 
• It is not necessary to be referred to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic by a doctor. You can arrange an appointment directly, and in total confidence. Contact phone numbers are always listed in the phone book.