HPV and Genital Warts

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What Are HPV and Genital Warts?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the genital area. Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts, while others are linked to an increased risk of cancers such as cervical, anal, or throat cancer.

Genital warts appear as small bumps or growths on the genitals or surrounding areas. HPV infections are very common and often resolve spontaneously, but warts may persist or recur.

What Causes HPV and Genital Warts?

HPV is spread through:

• Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected person
• Skin-to-skin contact in the genital area
• Rarely, from mother to baby during childbirth

What Are the Common Symptoms of HPV and Genital Warts?

You may notice:

• Small flesh-coloured or grey growths in the genital or anal area
• Bumps that may be raised, flat, single, or in clusters
• Itching or discomfort around the affected area
• Often, HPV infections do not cause visible warts or symptoms

How Is HPV and Genital Warts Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually through:

• Visual inspection of warts by a healthcare professional
• Screening for high-risk HPV in women (e.g., cervical smear tests)

Online GP consultations can assess visible warts and advise on treatment options. In-person evaluation may be needed for unclear lesions or for screening purposes.

How Long Does HPV and Genital Warts Last?

• Warts may resolve spontaneously within months, but recurrence is common
• High-risk HPV infections may persist and require ongoing monitoring
• Treatment can remove warts but does not cure the virus

Is HPV and Genital Warts Contagious?

Yes. HPV is transmitted through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. Condoms reduce but do not completely prevent transmission.

How to Feel Better and Recover Quickly

Self-Care at Home:

• Avoid sexual activity until warts are treated
• Keep the affected area clean and dry
• Avoid scratching warts to prevent irritation

Treatment from a GP:

• Topical treatments to remove warts
• Cryotherapy or minor procedures for persistent lesions
• Advice on monitoring and reducing the risk of transmission

When Referral Is Needed:

• Warts that are large, persistent, or recurrent
• Lesions in sensitive areas (e.g., anus, throat, cervix)
• Uncertain diagnosis requiring specialist review

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Seek urgent care if:

• Painful or bleeding warts
• Rapidly growing or changing lesions
• Suspected cancerous changes
• Symptoms in pregnancy affecting delivery

How Dr.Online UK Can Help

We offer:

• Same-day online GP appointments
• Assessment and treatment for genital warts
• Prescriptions or referral for specialist treatment if appropriate
• Advice on partner notification and sexual health

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