Genital Warts - what it is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it
Use this button to quickly leave the website
Quick Exit
Back
NSW Government
  • A
  • A
Visit the blog
What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]

All about Anal Sex

We’re talking about sexual activity that involves your butt.  Anal play can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender or orientation and can be: Putting fingers or a tongue (rimming) around/inside someone’s butt Putting a dildo or other sex toy inside someone’s butt Putting a penis inside someone’s butt There […]

Been diagnosed with an STI? Now what?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]

Visit the blog
What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]

All about Anal Sex

We’re talking about sexual activity that involves your butt.  Anal play can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender or orientation and can be: Putting fingers or a tongue (rimming) around/inside someone’s butt Putting a dildo or other sex toy inside someone’s butt Putting a penis inside someone’s butt There […]

Been diagnosed with an STI? Now what?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]

What is online STI testing?

Getting tested for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is an important part of looking after your health. But did you know you can request an STI test from your own home? Online STI testing makes it easier than ever to access important health services, and it’s available right here in NSW! […]

Are there any symptoms?

Genital Warts may feel like lumps and bumps around your genitals and anus

Genital Warts are usually painless

How do you catch Genital Warts?

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.

How do you prevent Genital Warts?

  • Condoms help stop you catching or spreading Genital Warts. But remember, they don’t cover all the areas where the Genital Warts can be found
  • There is a vaccine available that protects you from HPV, the virus that causes genital warts. This vaccine also helps protect against cervical and anal cancer too, so it’s worth looking into with your doctor
  • See your doctor if you think you may have genital warts

There is a vaccine available that protects you from HPV, the virus that causes genital warts

Testing and treatment for 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.

More about STIs

Could I have an STI?

Take our 30 second quiz to find out

Where can I get tested?

Find a testing location

Got a sticky question?

Ask Nurse Nettie

Got a sticky question?

Ask Nurse Nettie

Stay in touch

Signup to our email or follow us on social for tips on all things sex and relationships