Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Genital wart symptoms, how they're caught, and how to avoid them

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). If you think you have genital warts, you should see a doctor or visit a sexual health service to get tested.

Only about 10% of people exposed to the virus will develop genital warts. If they do occur, it can take weeks, months or sometimes longer after coming into contact with the virus before genital warts begin to appear.

You may notice small, pinkish or white cauliflower-like lumps or warts, appearing singly or in groups around or inside the genital area.

The warts may be itchy but are painless, although they will bleed if scratched. You might see or feel them yourself, or they may be noticed by your partner or during a medical examination.

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Do genital warts cause cervical cancer?

HPV is short for Human Papilloma Virus - certain strains of which can cause cervical cancer. The new HPV vaccine helps protect against two types of HPV, which are the most common causes of cervical cancer (see notes on the HPV vaccine). It is however correct to say that this vaccine does not protect against the strains of HPV which cause warts.

Having genital warts does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Like all women over 20, women with genital warts should have regular cervical smear tests every three years.

How genital warts are caught

Genital warts spread through skin-to-skin contact. They can be passed from one person to another during sex or genital contact, or by sharing sex toys.

The virus can also remain undetected on the skin. This means it can be passed on to another person before any warts develop or are noticeable, or after they have disappeared.

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Genital warts and pregnancy

In some women, genital warts become larger during pregnancy. Often, within six weeks of the delivery of the baby, the warts will become smaller again and even disappear.

Some treatments are unsuitable during pregnancy and treatment may be delayed until after the child is born. If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, tell the doctor so they can choose a treatment that won’t be harmful to the developing baby.

The risk of passing the virus to your baby either during pregnancy or delivery is very small.

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How to prevent infection with genital warts

Always use a condom to protect against genital warts – the virus that causes them can’t pass through a condom.

However, if there are warts present around the genitals in an area not protected by the condom infection may still occur. The virus can also be present on the skin around the genitals even if there are no warts visible.

If there are visible warts not covered by a condom, it is best to avoid sex until the warts have cleared up.

The best way to prevent all sexually transmitted infections including genital warts, as well as to protect against HIV, is to practise safer sex. This means using a condom for vaginal, oral or anal sex.

read more about better, safer sex

Does the HPV vaccine protect against genital warts?

The HPV viruses that cause genital warts are different from the ones that can lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine currently being used by the NHS in Scotland to protect women against cervical cancer does not prevent genital warts.

To further protect themselves, women who are invited to attend for cervical cancer screening should do so.

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