Genital Warts (HPV)
Symptoms
Genital warts are fleshy growths or bumps seen most often on and around the genitals, anus and inside the vagina. They are caused by a group of viruses called human papilloma viruses (HPV).
Genital warts are usually not painful. Most people who have HPV don’t develop visible warts because their immune system keeps the virus under control.
How do you get it?
It’s spread through direct skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, similar to the way genital herpes is spread. This mainly occurs during sex, but can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Both girls and guys can get genital warts. Remember that the virus can still be passed on even if no warts are visible, which can make it hard to know if you’re at risk.
How do I know I have it?
- People who find a growth or lump should present to their local doctor or sexual health clinic and the health professional will be able to tell if it is a wart by the appearance of the growth or lump.
- If the growth or lumps looks unusual, it may need a biopsy which means a small piece of the growth or lump is sent for inspection by a laboratory.
- Certain types of HPV can be picked up on Pap smears in women. All sexually active women should have regular Pap smears.
Many people with HPV infections do not have any obvious symptoms but can still pass the virus onto their sexual partners. This is called ‘asymptomatic shedding’ of the virus.
Prevention
Some types of HPV infection which cause genital warts can be prevented by a new vaccine which has been registered for use in Australia.
The National HPV Vaccination Program provides free vaccine for young women aged between 12 and 26 years to protect against HPV. For information about the program, if you are eligible and where you can be immunised see the National HPV Vaccination Program website or Queensland Health’s school-based vaccination program website
The use of condoms and / or dental dams for all sexual contact can also reduce the chance of HPV being passed on from person to person.
What’s the treatment?
- There is no cure for HPV infection, but the visible warts can be successfully treated.
- As there is no cure, some people will find that the obvious genital warts continue to return and they need to get regular repeat treatments.
- Changes in the cells of the cervix caused by HPV infection can also be treated.
What to do
For advice, see your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
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