HealthInfo Canterbury
Genital warts
Kautona taihemahema
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is passed on by skin-to-skin contact. Most sexually active people get HPV and most have no symptoms.
HPV can cause visible warts around your genital area or anus (bottom).
Diagnosing genital warts
Genital warts are diagnosed from the way they look.
If you have genital warts, it's a good idea to get tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at your general practice, Family Planning Clinic, school clinic or Te Tahi Youth. You can also get tested at the Sexual Health Centre.
Treating genital warts
Like other warts, genital warts often go away by themselves. There are treatments, such as freezing or cream that can make the warts go away quicker. The HPV virus stays in your skin, so warts can come back.
Sometimes, the HPV virus can cause skin cell changes that can cause cancer including cervical cancer if untreated.
Women having a cervical cancer check can find HPV before it causes problems. There's currently no HPV test for men.
The HPV vaccine can protect you against some types of the HPV virus that cause warts. The injection is free for young women and men in New Zealand from the ages of 9 to 26, but you can have it at any age.
Condoms offer some protection but can't protect other areas where your skin comes into contact.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Family Planning – HPV and genital warts
Information about genital warts.
- Just the Facts – HPV/Genital Warts
Information aimed specifically at youth about HPV and genital warts, including treatment and long-term effects. You can also watch its HPV vaccine video on YouTube.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2022.
Sources
Review key: HISYP-53679
