Genital warts

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Genital warts are growths that appear around the genitals or anus.

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Australia. Genital warts are passed on through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the infection, such as having unprotected sex. The warts can be barely visible or can grow together in clusters. They can be transmitted even if you can't see them. While the warts themselves don't cause health problems, some types of HPV can infect the uterus and lead to cervical cancer.

Often genital warts are not visible to the eye. However if you do develop genital warts they can be single and small or larger or may clump together. Women tend to have them most often on the vulva and men most often get them on the penis. They can grow deep with the rectum or vagina where they can't be seen or felt.

Genital warts are caused by HPV. There are more than 100 different types of HPV and even though only some types cause genital warts, they're still very common. They're spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during unprotected sex. Pregnant women with the infection can pass on the virus during a vaginal birth.