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Genital Warts
Condoms are the ONLY form of contraceptive that protects against sexual infections.
Genital Warts are caused by some types of the Human Papilloma virus (or wart virus). The number of people infected with genital warts is rising in Ireland and it's one of the most common STIs here.
What are the symptoms?
- Many HPV infections are invisible and have no symptoms.
- Warts or lumps on the genital area: the vagina, penis, testicles, anus, and urethra.
- Warts can appear in the throat but this is rare.
- Genital warts are soft to touch and can be itchy.
- The warts can be very small and go unnoticed.
- If they are untreated they can grow and become uncomfortable.
- The symptoms usually appear two or three weeks after unprotected sex but can take much longer. They grow quicker in women during pregnancy or if there is another infection.
What treatment can you get?
Talk to your doctor for a diagnosis of the infection. There is no cure for HPV. The warts can be treated with different treatments but once you have the virus they might come back at a later stage in your life. Your doctor can give you a prescription medicine to apply on the warts or they can be removed in the clinic.
How can you prevent Genital Warts?
By using condoms during vaginal sex, oral sex and anal sex. Unfortunately even condoms don't guarantee full protection against warts or Herpes as you can be infected by contact with skin not covered by the condom. If you notice that your partner has warts or sore lumps around the genitals, avoid sex and get them to see a doctor as soon as possible.
