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What are genital warts?

Genital warts are lumps on the skin around the penis, vagina or anus (bottom) and caused by an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common. Genital warts are usually painless and can disappear without treatment.

How do you get genital warts?

Genital warts (genital HPV) can be passed from person to person through skin to skin contact when you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has them. Genital warts usually appear from 3-12 months after getting HPV.

How do you prevent genital warts?

Get the HPV vaccine. The vaccine protects against the most common types of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor to see if you should get the HPV vaccine.
Use condoms or dams during vaginal, oral and anal sex. Condoms will reduce the chance of genital warts from being passed on.
Make sure you change condoms between partners and when sharing sex toys.
Use dams during oral sex. Dams will limit skin to skin contact and reduce the chance of genital warts from being passed on.
Avoid shaving or waxing affected areas if you have genital warts.
Test for STIs and HIV every 3-12 months. It is important and part of a healthy confident sex life.

What are the tests for genital warts?

Genital warts aren’t part of a routine STI test. It you see any new lumps on your genitals, you can get checked for genital warts by having a doctor or nurse check the skin of the genitals. If you have genital warts, you should get tested for other STIs. STI tests are easy, confidential and nothing to be ashamed about.

You can get an STI test at your local doctor, a sexual health clinic and some university health clinics. You can call the Sexual Health Infolink on
1800 451 624 (free call) to find the closest service to you. STI tests are easy, confidential and nothing to be ashamed about.

What is the treatment for genital warts?

Genital warts can stay the same, get worse or go away without treatment. Most people want them treated. You can treat genital warts with a special paint or cream that you get from your doctor.

If you would like an interpreter to help you access health services or information, you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.