Genital Warts
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV)
There are many different types of human papillomavirus.
HPV types 6 and 11 are known to cause genital warts.
HPV types 6 and 11 are NOT known to cause cancer.
Symptoms
Some people who are infected with HPV have no symptoms. However, women may experience the following symptoms:
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Pain, itching and/or bleeding in the genital area or anus
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Warts in the female genital area (vulva, cervix or vagina), thighs and/ or anus.
Diagnosis
If you think you may have genital warts, you should see your doctor or attend a sexual health clinic.
The doctor will ask you about your sexual history and symptoms.
They will also examine the genital area and anus and may perform an internal examination.
If the doctor suspects that you have genital warts then they may also take a biopsy.
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with genital warts or there is high suspicion that you may have genital warts, your doctor may offer you treatment e.g. creams, laser treatment, cryotherapy (freezing off the warts), electrocautery (using heat to remove the warts) or surgical removal of the warts.
If the warts are not visible, it is unlikely that you will need treatment.
You should also contact any recent sexual partners as they may also be infected with HPV.
This includes any individual with whom you have had sexual intercourse within 6 months.