Genital Warts – what are they?

Genital wart virus infection (also known as Human Papilloma Virus or HPV) commonly infects the genital skin, this may include the penis, anus or balls.

In most people it never causes any symptoms but in a proportion of people it will cause the development of visible warts, similar in appearance to those on other parts of the body.

Transmission

There are at least 80 different types of HPV, each with its own number for identification purposes. However, only about five strains commonly occur in the genital area.

The virus can be passed from one person to another by direct skin-to-skin contact, including non-penetrative sexual activities.

As most people carrying HPV have no symptoms, this means that it can be very easily transmitted without either partner realising it.

Studies in gay men are limited but prevalence figures of 50% have been reported. So the general message is: this is an extremely common viral infection but the vast majority of people will show no symptoms.

Treatment

Visible warts are treated with a range of therapies. Sexual health specialists are able to offer treatment best suited to the type, size and location of the warts.

This includes the application of topical solutions, freezing and various other (painless!) methods. It is often necessary to repeat the treatment on one or more occasions. This is partly because the virus is active in the initial stages of infection and new warts may continue to appear until your body's immune system begins to suppress the virus. Unfortunately, there is as yet no treatment which will kill HPV outright.