What it is
The human papilloma virus (HPV) causes genital warts. There are different strains of HPV. The strains that lead to genital warts are not the same as the ones related to cervical and anal cancer. Genital warts usually don’t hurt. They look and feel like bumps around your vagina (usually on your vulva), penis or anus. There is no test for genital warts. If you have symptoms, the doctor will offer to take a look.
How it happens
Genital warts can pass to you if your skin touches the skin of a person who has them. That might be during vaginal, anal and oral sex or from rubbing. Genital warts are most likely to spread when you can see them. But if you can’t see them, you can still catch them.
Protect your body
The HPV vaccine protects against all strains of HPV, including those that lead to genital warts and cervical and anal cancers.
- Get the HPV vaccine if you haven’t had it. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor.
- Use condoms if sex involves a penis. But remember, the warts can be on parts that a condom doesn’t cover.
Treat it
The doctor will give you some medicine to use at home. This involves dabbing a chemical onto the warts using a cotton bud. The warts tingle then fall off. You can also have them frozen off. This treatment is only for the warts. HPV usually goes away on its own. If the warts come back, either HPV is still in your system or you have a new case of HPV.
Find a clinic
