Genital Warts

What is it?

Genital warts are caused by the same virus that causes warts on other parts of the body. They are the most common STI. The highest rate of infection is among women aged 20-24 and men aged 25-34.

Symptoms

Growths or warts in the genital area, they may look like pinkish/white small lumps or larger cauliflower shaped lumps.

• They may itch but they are usually painless
• They can take a year or more to appear after the infection with the wart virus
• Warts are not always visible, especially if they occur inside the vagina or in the anus.

Caused by virus

Treatment
Warts can be treated by applying special ointments or paints, by freezing or by surgical removal under local anaesthetic.

Effects on Health
Most people will have a recurrence of warts which will need further treatment.  Some types of wart virus may be linked to cancer, however the type of wart which causes visible warts are only rarely associated with cervical cancer.