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Genital warts are painless fleshy lumps that are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Over 100 different types of HPV have been identified. At least thirty of these HPV types are sexually transmitted, with type 6 and 11 being the most common types to cause genital warts. Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection is mainly spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital or anal sex with an infected partner. The virus is highly infectious and it is estimated that around two thirds of sexually active adults will get infected with at least one strain of HPV in their lifetime. Warts are one of the most common presentations of an HPV infection, although HPV can also cause cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.
Prevention
Condoms
Condoms have been shown to give partial protection against HPV infection and genital warts, and may also have a therapeutic effect when both partners are infected, possibly by preventing continued re-exposure to the virus.
HPV Vaccination
When it comes to HPV vaccination, females are only half the story. Males can get vaccinated too. Like other vaccines, HPV vaccination works to help prevent illness. HPV vaccination helps prevent certain HPV-related diseases caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. The time to vaccinate is before there is any exposure to these HPV types.
Symptoms
- Painless, flesh coloured growths, in the genital areas
- Itching
- The lesions can be single or multiple
Diagnosis
I will normally do a visual inspection for genital warts during the examination. If there are lesions present I can perform a swab test that can check if the HPV virus is present and if so which strain it is.
Treatment
Cryotherapy ( provided onsite)
This destroys the genital warts and usually gives the quickest cosmetic result. However it doesn’t necessarily get rid of the virus and lesions can recur. It also usually requires several treatments over a few weeks. With repeated freezing there is a risk of scarring.
Podophyllin toxin
This is supplied in a cream or solution that is applied to the genital warts. It works by killing the wart cells and by preventing the cells from multiplying. Again this doesn’t kill HPV and warts can recur. The benefit is that it can be done at home.
Immune treatment
This is a new and very successful treatment that requires application of a cream to the genital warts.This alerts the immune system to the infection and your body attacks the virus from within. For this reason it is more effective than the other options in clearing the infection. However treatment can take a long time up to 6 months or longer.
I have over 14 years experience providing sexual health screening and I offer a completely confidential, professional, non judgemental service from start to end. If you are not sure if you have been at risk, then I offer a normal consultation to discuss the possible risks and whether screening would be appropriate. We discuss and agree all costs beforehand so you know exactly where you stand and I will always provide you with clear and accurate advice based on current British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (
BASHH )guidelines.
