In this STI Special we’re looking at genital warts. Genital warts are the second most comment STI in Britain, after Chlamydia, and area treatable with a variety of treatments available.
Sex on Female First
Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV isn’t just one singular virus but a family of over 100 difference strains of viruses. Around 90 per cent of all genital warts cases are caused by two strains of the virus, strain 6 and strain 11.
Genital warts are small fleshy lumps and can appear on and around the genitals and anus. They are usually painless and pose no serious risk to your health but can cause psychological distress as they quite unsightly.
They can appear when you’ve had unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex and by sharing sex toys. You don’t have to have penetrative sex to contract genital warts, as the virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Most cases of the virus show no symptoms and the warts can take up to one year to develop after becoming infected. The virus is most likely to be passed on when warts a present but this is not always the case, so refrain from sex until you get treatment.
Condoms will not completely protect you from genital warts are the areas not covered by the condom can become infected too. This doesn’t mean there’s no point in wearing one, always wear a condom as it will help to prevent the spread of infection.
You can also have the Gardasil vaccine which will protect you against the two main strains of the HPV virus that cause genital warts. However, this is not usually available free of charge on the NHS so you will have to pay to have it done privately.
The injection costs between £120 and £140 per dose and you have to have three doses in order to complete the course and become protected against genital warts. For more information about the Gardasil vaccine click here.
Some strains of the HPV can cause cervical cancer so it’s important that you visit your GP, a local GUM clinic or a health professional if you suspect you have genital warts.
Several treatments are available, such as creams and cryotherapy (freezing the warts), and they have a good rate of success. However, many treatments can take up to three months before they are fully effective.
Your local GP or GUM clinic can provide treatment for your genital warts. If you do have genital warts it’s advised that you don’t have sex until the warts are fully healed to prevent passing the infection on to others.
Always have regular sexual health checks to ensure that you are of sound sexual health.
It’s essential that you always wear a condom to help prevent the spread of STIs. For more information about genital warts and any other STIs visit your GP, GUM clinic or nhs.uk.
tagged in Health Sexual Health Sexual Health Education