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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
How do i know if i have genital warts? How are they treated?
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Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile
Human papillomavirus is a common virus that infects the body's skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 types of the human papillomavirus and some of these are sexually transmitted and infect the genital area. A person can be infected with more than one type of genital HPV at the same time. Genital HPV is transmitted through direct skin to skin contact of the genitals. It is not transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids or blood. Transmission usually occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Genital HPV is transmitted very easily. It has been estimated that four out of five sexually active people will have genital HPV at some point in their lifetime. Many people infected with genital HPV will experience no symptoms. Most people's immune system will get rid of the virus on its own. A small number of people infected with types 6 and 11 will develop genital warts. Warts occur, on average, three months following exposure to genital HPV, but can take longer. They may, for example, first appear when a person's immune system is lowered (during times of stress, ill health or pregnancy). Warts can be found on the vulva, clitoris cervix, penis, scrotum, inside the vagina or urethra, and in or around the anus. Warts can be flesh coloured or pink and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, occurring singularly and in clusters. If they are small and/or inside the vagina, urethra or anus a woman may not be aware of them. While warts are generally painless, they can cause itching and burning sensations, bleeding and vaginal discharge and can sometimes become infected. There are a number of treatments for genital warts. The most suitable treatment will depend on the size and location of the warts, cost and convenience. They can be removed through the use of chemical applications, cryosurgery (freezing), electrocautery (burning with electric current) or laser therapy. The drug Imiquimod, administered in a cream, is also used and works by enhancing the body's immune response to the virus. Genital warts can recur following treatment. Maintaining a healthy immune system and not smoking can minimise the risk of the recurrence.
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