Genital Warts
 | Genital Warts, also called condyloma acuminatum is a small bump on the genitals caused by a common sexually transmitted infection. Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). |
What is it?
- Genital Warts are bumps that appear on areas such as the vagina, penis, anus and scrotum
- They are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can be transmitted from direct skin contact with apparent or sub-clinical lesions and/or contact with genital secretions
- The long latent period, just as with herpes, means that the presence of warts in only one partner, does not necessarily imply recent infidelity
- There are more than 100 types of HPV that affect the skin. About 40 of these can cause genital warts. Tye types of HPV that cause genital warts are unlikely to cause cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Genital Warts are usually painless. They can be bumpy, flat or appear in clusters
| Male | Female |
| Warty growths in and around genital skin. Little discomfort (sometimes itchy) but often psychological distress is significant | Warty growths in and around genital skin. Little discomfort (sometimes itchy) but often psychological distress is significant |
| Distorted urinary stream or bleeding with urethral lesions | Cervical lesions noted on vaginal examination should have cervical screening conducted as per national guidelines |
| Perianal itch | Perianal itch |
| PR bleeding after passage of stools with anal lesions | PR bleeding after passage of stools with anal lesions |
Diagnosis
It is usually based on visual appearance. If there are atypical lesions, you should consider histology biopsy to exclude cancer.
Treatment
Genital Warts may clear up without treatment. However, if they are painful, unsightly, itchy or annoying, they can be treated. Treatment does not get rid of the virus itself, just the warts. your immune system may clear the virus, or it may persist undetected.
Treatment options include:
- Wart paint (especially for Genital Warts)
- Freezing (cryotherapy) or burning off
- Laser treatment
- Cream to boost the immune system to fight the HPV virus
- Surgery
Recommended follow-up
- Not required if symptoms resolve
- Consider testing for other STI's at three-month visit, if not undertaken at first presentation or retesting post window period
- The HPV vaccine protects you against the types of HPV that cause most genital warts as well as the high-risk types of HPV that cause cancer. However, the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV. Safe sex and having a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years is vital for any woman aged 25-74 who has ever been sexually active.
Contact tracing
Contact tracing is not recommended for Genital Warts.