What are genital warts?
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HPV exists in over 120 different subtypes. Some types cause warts on the hands and feet, some types cause warts on the genitals, and other types cause cervical cancer and some other cancers. The types that cause a risk of genital warts do not cause a risk of cervical cancer and vice versa.
Most cases of genital warts are caused by infection with types HPV 6 and 11. Many infected people are not bothered by being infected with these HPV types, but some end up developing genital warts.
How are genital warts contagious?
Genital warts are transmitted by intercourse in the vagina and rectum or by close contact between the genitals. Genital warts very rarely develop in the mouth after oral sex. Condoms partially protect against infection if the warts are covered by the condom, but the HPV virus can sit where the condom does not cover.
You can infect yourself with the warts in several places on the body if you are not careful. Intimate shaving can also spread the virus around one's genital area.
There are two HPV vaccines that protect against 90% of infection with genital warts and a third HPV vaccine that does not protect. All three HPV vaccines protect against the risk of cancer. Children and young people between the ages of 12-17 are offered a free HPV vaccine.
What are the symptoms of genital warts?
Visible genital warts sit as bumps either singly or in groups. On mucous membranes, genital warts are often moist and "cauliflower-like", while on dry skin they are more firm. It is not always possible to see the genital warts. In rare cases, there is itching, pain and bleeding from the genital warts.
If you have a vagina: The warts are usually between the labia, at the opening of the vagina, at the perineum, on the clitoris, in/around the rectum, in the vagina or on the cervix.
If you have a penis: Warts are usually under the foreskin, on the head of the penis, at the perineum, in/around the urethra and rectum.
From the time one has been infected with genital warts until symptoms appear, it takes from three weeks to eight months, but typically 2-3 months. Not everyone gets symptoms.
How are genital warts tested and treated?
Examination for genital warts is usually based on visible lumps that the doctor can see. In some places genital warts can be difficult to see, such as in the vagina. If the doctor is in doubt, he/she can take a sample with a damp cotton swab and send it for analysis, so you can find out which HPV type it may be.
Treatment can be done by applying something that inhibits viruses. In stubborn cases, the doctor can brush the genital warts, freeze them, cut them off or use a laser, which vaporizes the genital warts.
Treatment works on the visible genital warts, but does not remove the virus. So even if you are in treatment, you can infect others. About 20-30% get recurrent outbreaks of genital warts.
What are the consequences of genital warts?
There need not be any consequences of having genital warts. For some, however, genital warts can cause discomfort in the form of itching or a little bleeding while you have them. Treatment of genital warts can also have side effects.
Many get rid of the virus again on their own, perhaps up to around 90%. But you don't know if they get rid of it completely or if it might lie in the skin's cell layer without being detected.
You may well become infected again with the same HPV type that you have already been infected with, because the formation of antibodies against HPV in the body is low and the antibodies do not protect against re-infection as much as was previously thought. You can also become infected with a new HPV type.