Genital warts
Warts on or around the genitals (or the rectum) are very common. Each year 22,000 people are infected with them.
Genital warts are almost always passed on by unprotected sexual contacts. It may take a few weeks or even up to a year after infection before the first warts show up. Often a few small warts will appear, then grow larger and multiply. Although they don’t hurt, they may itch. Because the warts are sometimes internal, you may not notice them.
Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) are not serious, but they can be very persistent and they can spread rapidly. Genital warts are caused by a virus that is almost always passed on through sexual contact. You can also get genital warts by using a towel or a washcloth of a person with genital warts.
The warts are usually found on and around the genitals and the anal cleft. They may be found in the mouth but this is rare. The warts may disappear without treatment, but treatment is nevertheless advisable. The virus remains in your body. This means that it is possible for the warts to return after the treatment. The earlier you are treated, the smaller is the chance that the warts return.
