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Genital Warts
What are genital warts and how can you get them?
Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. They are passed on through close bodily contact, including sexual intercourse. When they appear on the penis or vagina they are known as 'genital warts' and if the anus is effected they are referred to as 'perianal warts'. It is rare, but sometimes performing oral sex on someone with genital warts can cause them to develop around the mouth.
Statistics show that people in their twenties are most likely to be infected with this STD.
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What are the signs of genital warts?
Typically, warts start to appear two to four weeks after infection, but in some instances it is many months. But what do genital warts look like?
Genital warts often look like tiny white or pinkish fleshy bumps on the skin (see pictures of genital warts). They may appear individually or in clusters. Sometimes the warts are very flat and virtually indistinguishable by the naked eye, so will need to be identified by a doctor wiping acetic acid on the skin, (white patches denote the presence of genital warts).
The warts are not painful but they tend to be itchy, which can make them uncomfortable.
Female genital warts
In women, genital warts generally develop in the vagina, cervix or on the lips of the vulva. They may also spread to the anus.
Some strains of HPV are linked to developing cervical cancer, due to cell changes caused in the cervix. However, visible genital warts do not put a woman at increased risk of cancer and so they do not need additional cervical smear tests.
Male genital warts
In men, genital warts most frequently effect the penis, scrotum and anus. They can also develop underneath the foreskin and inside the urethra.
Genital warts treatment
If treated early on, it is easy to cure genital warts. There are three main ways to treat genital warts:
• Painting a cream or liquid directly onto the infected area. These preparations usually contain podophyllotoxin so will need to be washed off after the correct amount of time to avoid skin irritation.
• Removing the warts by laser treatment or freezing. This will be done under local anaesthetic.
• Surgery.
Pregnant women can be treated safely, although sometimes the doctor will recommend delaying treatment until after the pregnancy has ended.
Sexual partners should also visit a doctor or GUM clinic to be examined, as they are at high risk of contracting HPV and may have genital warts even if they appear to be free of the STD.
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