Genital_warts
Symptoms of genital warts
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
Most people who have an HPV infection will not develop any visible warts. If genital warts do appear, it can be several weeks, months or even years after you first came into contact with the virus.
The warts may appear as small, fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes anywhere on the genitals or around the anus. In some cases, the warts are so smallthey aredifficult to notice.
A person can have a single wart or clusters of multiple warts that grow together to form a kind of "cauliflower" appearance.
Warts in women
The most common places for genital warts to develop in women are:
- around the vulva (the opening of the vagina)
- on the cervix (the neck of the womb)
- inside the vagina
- around or inside the anus
- on the upper thighs
Warts in men
The most common places for genital warts to develop in men are:
- anywhere on the penis
- on the scrotum
- inside the urethra (tube where urine comes out)
- around or inside the anus
- on the upper thighs
Other symptoms
Warts are usually painless, although on some people they can become itchy and inflamed. If a wart becomes inflamed, it may lead to bleeding from the urethra, vagina or anus.
The urethra is the tube connected to the bladder, which urine passes through.Warts that develop near or inside the urethra can also disrupt the normal flow of urine.
Seetreatment of genital warts for more information.
When to seek medical advice
You should always seek medical advice if you suspect you have genital warts, or a recent or current sexual partner develops genital warts.
Even if no warts have developed, you can be given advice on how to check yourself and what to do if they appear.
Treatments are only available with a prescription and may need to be applied by a nurse or doctor. It is also important to get a proper diagnosis in case the growth is not a genital wart.
If you do need a prescription treatment for warts, these are free from sexual health and genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.
Find sexual health services near you, including sexual health and GUM clinics.
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It is recommended you avoid having sex until your genital warts are fully healed.
Articles for Genital_warts
Causes of genital warts
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The most common way HPV is passed from person to person is through sexual intercourse.
Diagnosing genital warts
If you think that you may have genital warts, visit your local sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
Introduction
Genital warts are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area.
Preventing genital warts
Using condoms (male or female) every time you have vaginal or anal sex is the most effective way to avoid getting genital warts, other than being celibate.
Symptoms of genital warts
Genital warts usually appear within two to three months of developing an HPV infection, although incubation periods of up to a year have been reported.
Treating genital warts
Treatment for genital warts depends on the type of warts you have and where they are located. You do not need treatment if there are no visible warts.