What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by a group of viruses call human papillomavirus (or HPV for short), there are currently 100 known types of HPV (Around 30 types cause genital warts). Although HPV also causes the types of warts that are seen on peoples hands and feet, the ones that cause genital warts are usually from a different type of HPV.

Genital warts are warts that are found in the genital area, this includes the anus. They can appear as lumps or growth and can come raise or flat, small or large, in fact chances are each wart that is developed will look different to the next.

Genital warts tend to be passed on through sexual contact and are common in teens, it is estimated that as many as 1 in 2 people may get genital warts in their life. Some may not even realise that they have them.

Signs and symptoms

Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms, those that do may not appear for months after the initial infection, this makes it easy for teens to pass it onto sexual partners without even realising it.

Those that do get symptoms from a HPV infection will develop a visible wart. Any warts that do appear do not hurt or itch.

Genital warts treatment

There is no guarantee cure for HPV infections although the warts themselves can sometimes go on their own without treatment. You can also get treatment that can reduce the amount of warts, and also make them go away quicker.

Some forms of treatment involve laser therapy and chemical freezing.

Like genital herpes, even after treatment your body will still be infected, even if the warts are no longer showing, your body will still be infected with the HPV virus.

The other thing to note is that not all lumps, bumps and growth on genital areas are warts, some may simply be pimples, however if in doubt get it checked out.