Genital warts are different sized, white or flesh-coloured bumps that form a "cauliflower" cluster around the genital area. They can be flat or slightly raised. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts (there are over 100 strains of HPV with around 40 causing genital warts). The warts are transmitted through sexual intercourse, anal and oral sex, shared sex toys, and hand to genital contact.
Symptoms of Genital Warts
Not every person who is infected with HPV will develop genital warts. According to the sexual health charity Avert, certain strains of HPV do not produce genital warts although the infection is still present in the body.
If symptoms do appear, it will generally be from one month of exposure to the virus, but they can incubate for a year. Symptoms include the following:
- white/skin-coloured small to large itchy lumps around the genitals, thighs and rectum, or inside the vagina/cervix area
- internal warts can cause vaginal discharge
- painful intercourse or urination, if the warts have developed inside the vagina or urethra
Google “genital warts treatment” and “cider vinegar” is a common search term. Applying a weak vinegar solution to the external genital area will make any warts turn white, if a person is unsure whether they have them. This is not recommended for internal use, however, and is not a form of treatment. A GP will need to examine the affected area to determine whether it is genital warts. Pimples can occur around the genital area for other reasons – blocked sebaceous glands being one common problem.
Treatment for Genital Warts
There is no cure for genital warts but there are lots of treatment methods, which can get rid of them over time. Gradually, the immune system will build resistance to the virus and there will be fewer outbreaks. Because a virus rather than a bacterium causes genital warts, they can't be treated with antibiotics unlike other STIs. Vaccination is available to prevent genital warts and strains of HPV in younger girls, as some strains have been linked to cervical cancer.
There are two main types of treatment for genital warts, which will be effective over time:
Topical Treatments For Genital Warts
These are creams or liquids that can be applied to the affected areas. They tend to work well on softer warts, and are available in the UK on prescription only. Topical treatments include:
- Imiquidmod cream (sold as Aldara)
- Podophyllotoxin cream/liquid (sold as Condyline or Warticon)
- Podophyllin – a liquid, which is painted on to the warts
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) dissolves the warts (suitable for use during pregnancy).
- Over-the-counter treatments for warts are available, but these are only suitable for warts on the hands.
Surgical Treatments For Genital Warts
Surgical treatments are good for treating harder/persistent genital warts, and include the following:
- Cryotherapy freezes the warts with liquid nitrogen.
- Electrosurgery is an electrical current heats a needle to destroy the warts.
- Laser treatment uses a beam of light to destroy large clusters of warts. This isn’t a popular method because it can cause scarring.
- Minor surgery under local anesthetic to cut away the warts.
Pregnancy and Genital Warts
Treatment will need to be adapted if a woman is pregnant, as some of the above can cause complications and are not suitable during pregnancy. Trichloroacetic acid is often used to dissolve the warts during pregnancy and surgical treatments may be more suitable than topical ones. A GP/sexual health nurse will be able to advise. If the warts are inside the vagina, they can cause excess bleeding during labour.
Genital warts can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and unsightly but they are not serious and are easy to treat in most cases. Abstaining from sexual contact during the treatment phase is recommended as they are contagious and sex can cause friction to the skin, which will delay recovery time. Condoms do not provide total protection.
To avoid recurrent outbreaks of genital warts, keep the immune system strong and healthy by taking regular exercise, eating well, and avoiding negative stress, smoking and too much alcohol.
Sources:
Avert.org, *“Genital Warts, HPV, Symptoms and Treatment” (includes images of genital warts) (accessed June 5th 2010)
BMJ.com, *“Genital Warts” (accessed June 5th 2010)
Guardian.co.uk, *“Genital warts: What treatments work?” (accessed June 5th 2010)
Nhs.uk *“Genital warts – Info prescription” (accessed June 5th 2010)
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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