What are genital warts? Genital warts are also known as venereal warts. These are small, usually painless, growths on the genitals which are sexually transmitted. They are most often caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is easily passed on through unprotected sex. Genital warts may appear as a single bump or as several warts in a cluster. HPV can have no symptoms and can remain unnoticed for years before warts appear.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
As mentioned, some people may not show any symptoms of genital warts while others may experience itching, burning, irritation, and discomfort, or may experience bleeding during or after sexual contact. If you think you may have genital warts, see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic so that you can be checked for any sexually transmitted infections. Once diagnosed, you will be given treatment options, and you will most likely be advised to avoid sexual contact until treatment has finished or the symptoms have cleared.
Treatment
If you or your partner are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to discuss them with a doctor or sexual health clinic so that the right treatment can be recommended. Treatment can include creams, freezing the warts or minor surgery to remove them. There is no cure for HPV itself, but treatment can remove visible warts and the body often clears the virus over time. The NHS guide to genital warts has more information.