Genital warts are a symptom of some types of the human papilloma virus (HPV), and look like white or flesh coloured lumps, bumps or cauliflower-shapes around the genital area – there are around 30 different kinds. Cases of genital warts in the UK, has raised by 22%, according to STD and AIDS charity Avert.

Signs and symptoms

Some people who are infected may experience no symptoms, not even genital warts. Others may confuse their symptoms with other STDs such as Herpes or Syphilis, or get worried about harmless, normal bumps like spots. Look out for:

• White or pink lumps of various shades, from small to large cauliflower shapes. They can also spread to the buttocks and thighs, and may be itchy, but are rarely painful. On the other hand, they may be barely noticeable.
• Women who have warts on the cervix may experience bleeding or a coloured discharge.

Dangers

Besides the uncomfortableness, some types of HPV have been linked to cell changes that cause cervical cancer, so women who have genital warts, or who have had them in the past, need regular pap smears. If you have regular anal sex, your chances of rectal and anal cancer are also increased.
In rare cases, HPV can also be passed on from mother to baby during the birth.

Treatment

If you think you may have genital warts, contact your GP immediately. A doctor can usually tell if you are infected simply by looking at the area, or for women not experiencing symptoms a test can be carried out at the same time as a pap smear. Unfortunately, genital warts cannot be completely cured with treatment, and the warts will continue to reappear, although often your body will eventually get rid of the virus naturally by itself after a year or two, so the warts will disappear. For some people though, treatment may take a long time. Sometimes, the only way to get rid of the warts is through laser treatment or surgery.

Prevention

Luckily, there is now hope to prevent future infections, as a new vaccine has been invented for 90% of HPV. For now, use condoms and get yourself and your partner checked out. If you already have genital warts, remember that condoms are only effective if they cover all of your warts, keep yourself clean and dry and steer clear of fragranced soaps and bath oils as these will worsen warts.

Read More:

Gonorrhea: What You Need to Know: Read on to find out the signs, symptoms, dangers, treatments and prevention methods of the sexually transmitted disease, Gonorrhea.

Spot the STD: Chlamydia: Signs, symptoms and effects of one of the UK’s biggest STD

Genital Warts: Genital warts can be transmitted through sex, including anal and oral, but also through non-penetrative foreplay. To learn more about the sexually transmitted disease, read on.

Signs and Syptoms of Syphilis: Transmitted through sex, including oral and anal, syphilis can be extremely dangerous if left untreated.

Herpes: There are 8 types of herpes, not all of them sexually transmitted. Read on to find out more.