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Canberra Health Services
Health Information Sheet | Canberra Health Services

Genital warts

Genital warts are lumps on the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmissible infection (STI).

What causes genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by HPV. Different strains of the wart virus affect different parts of the body. There are at least 100 types of HPV, and at least 40 types can infect the genitals. The types of HPV that cause most genital warts are not usually dangerous, however there are types of HPV that can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, penis or anus.

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts appear as small flesh coloured, dark or pale growths on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, the pubis, penis, scrotum, groin or thigh. Sometimes people do not notice warts if they grow where they can’t easily be seen or felt. Genital warts sometimes cause symptoms like itching, pain or bleeding.

Many people become infected with HPV but never develop warts because their immune system controls and eventually clears the infection.

How did I get genital warts?

HPV is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal or anal sex with someone who is infected with the virus. HPV can also be spread through oral sex, but this is less common. Warts can appear within several weeks or months after sexual contact with a person who has the virus. You may not notice them for some time.

How are genital warts diagnosed?

Warts are usually diagnosed by a health professional examining your skin. Sometimes they may need to be diagnosed from a small skin sample (called a biopsy) which is sent to a laboratory. HPV can also be found on cervical screening tests (previously known as pap smears). HPV is not tested in a routine sexual health test.

You should have a check-up for HPV if you:

  • notice any unusual growths or bumps in your genital area
  • notice any unusual itching, pain or bleeding in your genitals

What is the treatment for genital warts?

There are several treatments available for genital warts including paints, creams, freezing and sometimes surgical removal. The size, number and location of the warts, cost, convenience, side effects and patient choice all affect the treatment option your healthcare provider recommends.

Treatment can remove visible warts but does not get rid of HPV infection. In most people, the immune system clears the virus over time.

How can I reduce my risk of contracting genital warts?

HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact, so using condoms can reduce your risk of getting or transmitting genital warts.

Can genital warts be prevented?

Vaccines which provide protection against several strains of HPV are available in Australia through school-based programs or your health care provider. Talk with your health care provider about vaccination.

Smoking increases your risk of developing genital warts if you have been exposed to HPV. Treatment can take longer, and it can be common to get more warts if you smoke. If you have the less common, cancer-causing strains of HPV, smoking makes it more likely these will trigger a cancer. If you have genital warts and you are a smoker, you should consider quitting smoking. Your GP can give you more information about quitting, or you can contact Quitline on 13 78 48.

Further information:

References:

canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au