- One or more painless fleshy growths or lumps anywhere on the genital area
Download our patient leaflet for more information.
Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus. They can spread through penetrative sex, sharing sex toys, or genital skin-to-skin contact.
There’s no routine test for genital warts. It usually takes a couple of months to a couple of years for warts to develop after infection with HPV. So, if you’re in a relationship and you get genital warts, it does not necessarily mean you, or your partner, has been having sex with other people during that time.
Not everyone who has the virus develops genital warts. For most people, including those who have visible warts, they will eventually clear spontaneously. Smoking or taking medication which weakens the immune system can increase the likelihood of developing genital warts. It’s rare for genital warts to cause any long-term health problems.
In some cases, treatment may include creams, freezing, or surgery to manage symptoms.
Condoms only give partial protection from genital warts. If warts are in areas not covered by a condom, they can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
