What are genital warts?

Genital warts are a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI). They are caused by some types of a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Genital warts are small lumps that you can see or feel. They can be found on your:

• vulva
• vagina
• cervix
• penis
• anus
• mouth

Genital warts are different to warts that you can get on your hands and knees.

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts may:

• be itchy
• be bumpy or flat
• develop as a single wart
• develop in a cluster, like a small cauliflower

Genital warts may look different on different people.

You may also notice other symptoms such as:

• changes in your stream of urine
• blood in your urine
• blood in your stools

Some people who are infected with HPV do not get any symptoms. They may not even know they have been infected. It's important to know that you can still spread HPV, even if you do not have any symptoms.

What causes genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They are very contagious.

You can catch the HPV virus through:

• skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex
• sharing sex toys
• contact with genital secretions

About 2 in every 3 people who have sex with someone infected with genital warts will catch the virus. The warts usually appear within 3 months of contact.

There are many types of HPV. It's possible to be infected by more than one type of HPV.

Some types of HPV can cause cancers, such as cervical cancer and anal cancer. The types of HPV that cause genital warts are unlikely to cause cancer.

If you are pregnant and have genital warts, it's very unlikely that you will pass HPV to your baby during labour and birth.

Read more about human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine.

When should I see my doctor?

You should visit your doctor for a sexual health check if you:

• see or feel any unusual lumps on your genitals
• have any other symptoms of genital warts
• have had sex with someone who has genital warts

If you have warts inside your anus, you might need to see a surgeon. If you have warts on your cervix, you might need to see a gynaecologist.

How are genital warts diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose genital warts by looking at them.

If the warts look a bit unusual, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to make sure they are not cancerous.

Your doctor may also suggest an sexually transmitted infection check.

How are genital warts treated?

Genital warts may be treated with:

• cream
• wart paint
• liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
• laser treatment
• surgical removal

During pregnancy, some of these treatments are not recommended. Your doctor will suggest a treatment option which is best suited for you.

If you have warts in your pubic area, avoid shaving or waxing, as this could spread the infection.

Treating your warts doesn't cure the infection. Rather, treatments get rid of the warts you can see. Some people choose to treat their warts because they do not like how they look, or other symptoms bother them, while other people choose to leave them alone.

For some people, the warts can go away on their own within 2 years. However if you have a weakened immune system, they may not go away.

Treatments for other types of warts are not suitable for genital warts. See your doctor to discuss treatment options.

Can genital warts be prevented?

You can reduce your chance of becoming infected with HPV by:

• getting the HPV vaccine, which protects against some types of HPV that cause genital warts
• using condoms with new and casual sexual partners
• having regular STI checks

Condoms do not completely protect against HPV, as they do not cover all the skin in your genital area.

If you have a cervix, are aged 25 to 74 and have ever been sexually active, you should have a cervical screening test every 5 years. The cervical screening test detects HPV and has replaced the Pap smear.

Complications of genital warts

Some types of HPV that cause genital warts can also cause a very rare complication called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). RRP causes warts to develop in your airways and lungs.

If you have genital warts, you are not at higher risk of cancers in the genital area.

If you give birth while you have genital warts, there is a small risk your baby could get warts in their throat. In rare cases, they could develop recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Coping with genital warts

Finding out you have genital warts can be distressing. You might feel alone, embarrassed, anxious and afraid of rejection or not being sexually desirable.

It's important to keep in mind that genital warts are a very common STI.

If you are worried about telling recent sexual partners that you have genital warts, you can send them an anonymous text message or email through some websites, such as Let Them Know.

You may find it helpful to talk to a parent or a friend you trust. There are organisations that can support you, such as Sexual Health Quarters. They can provide counselling, help you with your treatments and answer questions you may have.

Resources and support

• For more information about genital warts, HPV or cervical cancer, visit your doctor or local sexual health clinic, or find out about sexual health services for your state or territory at Family Planning Alliance Australia.
• NSW Sexual Health Infolink (1800 451 624; weekdays 9am to 5.30pm) is a non-judgemental information and STI referral service in New South Wales.
• The Let Them Know website helps you send free, anonymous text messages or emails to sexual partners to help with contact tracing.
• Drama Down Under is a website specifically for men with male sexual partners. Learn more about STIs, contact tracing and receive reminders when it's time to be retested.