This is an extremely common question in our expert clinic.
If you think you have the virus you should see a sexual health doctor for a check-up, our Sexual health clinic is used to doing this every day.
Genital warts are extremely common. They are caused by a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are more than a hundred types of HPV and genital warts (anogenital warts) are caused by type 6 and type 11 predominantly.
The wart virus is the most common STD / STI in the UK.
Some research suggests that up to 70% of adults who have had unprotected sex have the virus.
Most people with the genital wart virus WILL NOT HAVE ANY visible warts.
HOW ARE GENITAL WARTS PASSED ON?
The wart virus is commonly caught whilst having sex or intimate sexual contact without a condom. It is readily passed on by having vaginal and anal sex, and also less commonly by oral sex. Both men and women can have HPV. As most people with the virus do not have visible warts, you may have caught the virus without knowing. Once you have the virus, it can remain in the body and be passed on even if warts are not present or have gone.
WHERE DO GENITAL WARTS GROW?
Warts can be inside or outside. In women they can be in the vagina, on the vulva, cervix and anus (the back passage). In men, they can be on the penis, foreskin, urethra, scrotum or anus. Rarely, warts can occur in the lips or mouth after oral sex.
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
Most people who are infected will not have any visible warts. Warts are very variable and can be smooth, rough, small, large, flat, on a ‘stalk’, on their own or in groups. They can itch or they can be non-itchy and painless. Often they are so tiny, you may not even know you have them. They can grow very quickly. We recommend you seek Specialist help from a sexual health doctor is you think you have a genital wart or a HPV infection. Diagnosing warts can be difficult for general doctors, so a Specialist opinion is best.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE THE VIRUS?
You won’t know you have the virus unless you have a sexual health check. It is possible to get the virus from having unprotected sex with someone who is infected but has no visible warts.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
There are no treatments you can buy for genital warts without a doctor’s prescription. The treatment aims to remove visible warts and reduce the amount of virus. Antibiotics will not get rid of the virus and they are removed by specialist therapies such as cryotherapy and chemical treatment. These treatments are mildly uncomfortable and the doctor may give you advice for pain relief. Sometimes a local anaesthetic cream can be used.
Our wart check ups with treatments start at only £75.
We aim to diagnose warts as quickly as possible and treat them early. This can result in warts being removed more rapidly. The clinic is led by a Sexual Health Specialist doctor, offers quick and convenient appointments and is confidential.
CONTACT US NOW ON 07531 194797