Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV on their skin, and can be transmitted during vaginal and anal sex, as well as through sharing sex toys and, rarely, through oral sex. There are more than 40 strains of HPV that affect the genital area, and in most cases, HPV types 6 and 11 cause genital warts. If you have genital warts, it's important to get tested at a sexual health clinic.
Your current sexual partners should also be tested, as they may have warts and not know it. Treatment at a sexual health clinic can help. In rare cases, genital warts can multiply in large groups in people with a weakened immune system. Limiting the number of sexual partners and getting vaccinated are two of the best ways to prevent genital warts. Using a condom every time you have sex is also a good idea, but it won't necessarily protect you from genital warts.
Genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person. The HPV vaccine offered to girls and boys aged 12 to 13 in England protects against cervical cancer and genital warts. Genital warts aren't usually painful, but they can cause itching, skin discoloration, or discomfort, and may bleed. People should not apply treatments designed to remove warts from the hands or feet on the genitals.
What Causes Genital Warts?
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV on their skin.It can be transmitted during vaginal and anal sex, as well as through sharing sex toys and, rarely, through oral sex. There are more than 40 strains of HPV that affect the genital area, and in most cases, HPV types 6 and 11 cause genital warts.
How Can You Prevent Genital Warts?
Limiting the number of sexual partners and getting vaccinated are two of the best ways to prevent genital warts. The HPV vaccine offered to girls and boys aged 12 to 13 in England protects against cervical cancer and genital warts.How Are Genital Warts Treated?
If you have genital warts, it's important to get tested at a sexual health clinic. In rare cases, genital warts can multiply in large groups in people with a weakened immune system. Genital warts aren't usually painful, but they can cause itching, skin discoloration, or discomfort, and may bleed.People should not apply treatments designed to remove warts from the hands or feet on the genitals.
