After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex. Use condoms The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms. Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing […]
What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex. Use condoms The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms. Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing […]
What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
Genital Warts are warts on the skin of your genitals (vagina, penis) and perianal area (the skin around the anus) caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common. In fact, more than 75% of people will have this type of infection at some point in their life.
Genital Warts may feel like lumps and bumps around your genitals and anus
Genital Warts are usually painless
You can get Genital Warts through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal or anal sex . Genital warts are caused by a number of different strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They are most contagious when warts are present on the skin, but it’s possible to get warts from someone who carries the virus, but doesn’t have any visible warts.
The types of HPV that cause genital warts are totally different from the types related to cervical cancer.
There is a vaccine available that protects you from HPV, the virus that causes genital warts
Warts are diagnosed by sight – no swabs or blood tests required. Once a doctor confirms that you have Genital Warts, a home DIY treatment will usually be prescribed. This involves using a small cotton bud to dab a chemical solution to the lumps which makes them tingle and eventually fall off. They can also be frozen off.
Remember though, treatment isn’t a cure. The wart will disappear, but HPV can remain in the base layers of the skin until your own immune system gets rid of it for good. If warts reappear, it may be that HPV isn’t fully gone yet (it will go eventually) or it may be that you’ve got a new infection.