Genital warts
Overview
Genital warts are small, rough lumps that can appear around the vagina, penis or anus. They're a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help.
Symptoms
It can take a few weeks or months for genital warts to appear after having sex with someone who is infected. Genital warts are usually small, rough lumps on the skin. They can appear: around the vagina and on the penisaround the anuson the skin between the genitals and anus (perineum) Genital warts may: appear on their own or in a group (groups of warts can look like a cauliflower)feel soft or firmbe white, red, skin-coloured, or darker than the surrounding skin They do not usually cause symptoms but sometimes they may be painful, itchy or bleed. You may also have: pain or discomfort during sexproblems peeing (there may be blood in your pee, you may find it hard to pee, or you may stop and start a lot)
Causes
A GP will probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital warts. Sexual health clinics specialise in treating problems with the genitals and urine system. Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service where you do not need an appointment. Sexual health clinics often get test results quicker than GP surgeries. You also do not have to pay a prescription charge for medicines prescribed by a sexual health clinic. Find a sexual health clinic
Treatment
Treatment for genital warts is not always needed. They sometimes disappear on their own within 6 months. If treatment is recommended, it will need to be prescribed by a doctor. The type of treatment you'll be offered depends on what the warts look like and where they are. The doctor or nurse will discuss this with you. Treatments for genital warts include: cream, liquid or ointment – you can usually apply these yourself, but if the area is large, a doctor or nurse will need to apply it (these treatments can cause pain, irritation or a burning sensation)freezing (cryotherapy) – this treatment may need to be repeated several times and can be painfulsurgery – the warts are cut out after numbing the affected area withlocal anaesthetic, or they may be removed using heat or a laser (these treatments can cause pain, irritation or scarring) It may take weeks or months for genital wart treatment to work and the warts may come back. Sometimes the treatment does not work. Tell the doctor or nurse if you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, as some treatments will not be suitable for you. Some creams can weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms if it comes into contact with them. Ask the doctor or nurse about this. There are some things you can do while having treatment for genital warts. follow the instructions about how to apply creams, liquids and ointments carefully – some creams should only be left on for a certain amount of time before being washed off follow the instructions about how to apply creams, liquids and ointments carefully – some creams should only be left on for a certain amount of time before being washed off avoid getting any treatment you apply to genital warts on normal skin or in open wounds avoid getting any treatment you apply to genital warts on normal skin or in open wounds do not use wart treatment from a pharmacy because they're not made for genital warts do not use wart treatment from a pharmacy because they're not made for genital warts do not smoke – many treatments for genital warts work better if you do not smoke do not smoke – many treatments for genital warts work better if you do not smoke do not have vaginal, anal or oral sex until the warts have gone (but if you do have sex, always use a condom) do not have vaginal, anal or oral sex until the warts have gone (but if you do have sex, always use a condom)