Genital Warts
WHAT ARE GENITAL WARTS?
Genital warts are fleshy growths or bumps seen most often in moist areas in and around the genitals and anus including the inside of the vagina, cervix, the opening of the urethra, and may also be inside the anal canal. They are caused by a group of viruses called human papilloma virus (HPV).
HOW DO YOU GET IT?
The human papilloma virus is spread through direct skin to skin contact with a person infected with HPV. This occurs most commonly through sexual contact. HPV may be passed from person to person by sexual contact where there is skin to skin contact of the genital area. HPV may also be passed from mother to baby during labour and birth.
The virus can be passed from person to person even if there are no visible warts. The virus can live in the skin for many years and during that time can be passed on through sexual contact. This explains why genital HPV infection spreads easily among sexually active people. Warts that occur elsewhere on the body are caused by different types of HPV. Contact with these warts does not seem to cause genital warts.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT IT?
- It is unknown how long a person with HPV infection remains infectious or can pass the infection on to a sexual partner. - The use of condoms for sex is encouraged. Using condoms will reduce the spread of HPV but will not completely remove the risk. - If visible warts are treated as soon as they appear, the spread of HPV is reduced. - Even though the warts are gone HPV can still be living in the genital skin and it is still possible to transmit the virus to your partner. - Spermicidal foams, creams and gels have not been shown to have any effect against HPV.
WILL IT GO AWAY IF YOU IGNORE IT?
Warts often go away by themselves after a period of time. This may be months or years.
IS THERE A CURE?
There is no cure for HPV infection.
Visible warts can be treated by several means:
- Applying a chemical paint to the warts. The treatments available must be used with care. Some of these treatments have serious possible side effects and are not used during pregnancy or lactation.
- Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen.
- Removing the warts by laser.
There are also new creams that can be applied to the wart that stimulate the body's natural defences. These creams are effective though expensive and cannot be used in pregnancy. It usually takes a few treatments to obtain a good response. However, be aware that warts can recur after treatment has been effectively completed. The treatment is not a cure.
If you are considering treatment for genital warts, you are advised to:
- Ask about the costs and benefits of the treatment.
- Make sure you understand instructions for follow up.
- Be patient. Treatment may take some weeks.
- If you might be pregnant or want to be pregnant, be sure to tell the doctor so a safe treatment choice can be made.
- Care must be taken with treatments which may harm the skin of the genital area.
- Use take-home treatments only as directed.
Do not shave pubic hairs as this may result in further spread of the infection.
For more information follow these links:
Family Planning - NSW
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