Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that is passed on through close skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex*1. HPV is a large group of viruses-more than 100 types exist-and around 40 of them can infect the genital and anal region in people of any gender. Only a few of these types are responsible for genital warts, with HPV 6, HPV 8, HPV 11, HPV 16, HPV 18 and HPV 32 accounting for most cases.
What do genital warts look like?
Many people with genital warts have no noticeable symptoms, and it’s common for someone to carry the virus without ever realising they were infected. “When signs do appear, they can include small, skin-coloured bumps with an uneven or folded surface, typically only a few millimetres wide. Individual warts may merge into larger clusters or plaques that span several centimetres.” says Dr Parisa. If the virus spreads along a scratch or minor skin tear, the bumps can also form a line-like pattern.
HPV infection may occur in the following anogenital sites*2:
- Vulva
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Urethra
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Anus
The same HPV types can also be found in lesions around the lips, the oral mucosa or conjunctiva.
Certain features can indicate that genital bumps may actually be genital warts*3. These include:
- Growths that match the colour of the nearby skin or appear a little darker.
- Bumps that show up alone or in groups, sometimes forming a cauliflower-like shape.
- Lesions that can feel rough or smooth, and may be flat or raised above the skin
How long does it take for genital warts to appear?
Genital warts typically develop 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure, although they can sometimes appear years later*2.
Even if you carry HPV without any visible signs, you can still transmit the virus to a partner.
HPV spreads through tiny, microscopic breaks in the skin, damage that isn’t visible to the naked eye.
How long do genital warts last?
Genital warts are seen most often in people who have recently become sexually active, so they are commonly diagnosed in those aged 18-29. In most cases, the infection clears on its own within 12-18 months as the immune system responds*1. Many individuals with HPV never realise they are infected, and only about 10% of those who carry the virus will actually develop visible warts.
Do genital warts hurt?
Genital Warts are often painless*4, but they can sometimes lead to itching, burning, soreness, or general irritation-particularly when they are bigger, grouped together, or located where the skin rubs.
Will genital warts go away?
Genital warts can disappear without treatment, though the timeframe differs from person to person.
About 80% of those infected with the HPV types that cause warts will naturally clear the virus within 18-24 months*5.
How are genital warts treated？
Genital warts can be managed in several ways, and multiple treatment sessions are often needed. It’s important to avoid sexual activity while you are undergoing treatment.
Self-applied topical treatments*2
For creams or solutions to work effectively, the person must be able to see and reach the warts and apply the medication as directed. Common options include:
- Podophyllotoxin (solution or cream)
- Imiquimod cream
Your healthcare provider may use one of these methods to treat genital warts*4:
- Cantharidin solution
- Freezing: During cryotherapy, your provider applies liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy warts.
- CO2 Laser treatment: A laser light increases heat in tissue and burns the warts.
- Surgery: Your provider may surgically cut out warts that are large or don’t respond to other treatments.
Treatment to remove genital warts doesn’t cure you from HPV. Even if you don’t have an active outbreak and your warts were removed, you can still spread HPV.
How do you contract genital warts?
Genital warts result from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is contagious even when no warts are present, and many individuals carry HPV without symptoms while still being able to transmit it to others.
Genital warts*6 can spread through direct skin contact, such as during vaginal or anal intercourse.
They may also be transmitted by sharing sex toys, and occasionally through oral sex.
In uncommon cases, an infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth.
How can you prevent the spread of genital warts?
You can reduce your risk of HPV infection*8 by:
- Getting vaccinated against HPV before getting sexually active, which can prevent certain types of HPV that cause genital warts.
- Use condoms or oral repellents with new or temporary partners.
- Avoid sexual activity when you have visible warts.
- Get regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms do not completely prevent HPV infection because they do not cover all the skin in the genital area.
“If you have a cervix, are between 25 and 74 years old, and have been sexually active, you should have a cervical cancer screening every 5 years. Cervical cancer screening can detect HPV and has replaced Pap smears.” says Dr Parisa.
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