What it is
Genital warts are small, often painless bumps in or round the vagina, penis, or anus.
- They are caused by a virus (a kind of germ). It is called HPV (the human papilloma virus).
- You get HPV by having sex with someone who has the virus.
- HPV is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- Even if the warts go away or are removed, the virus stays in your body and can be spread to
others.
Symptoms
Some people don't show signs even though the wart virus is in their skin. Others do have signs.
- People may see small bumps (warts) in or around the vagina, penis, or anus.
- The bumps may grow in bunches or clusters.
- They may itch.
The virus can be spread to others even when there are no signs.
Long-term effects
Genital warts can be treated but not cured. The treatment can help make you feel better and
can help take away the warts. But you will always have the virus. Having the virus can cause these problems:
- You can pass it to others.
- You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
If a pregnant woman has genital warts, she could have these problems:
- The warts could grow and block the vagina.
- The baby could get the virus.
- Some wart medicines are not safe for pregnant women to use.
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