GENITAL WARTS TESTING

Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK affecting about 360,000 people every year. It can be treated if identified in time to prevent further damage to your health.

Genital warts are recognised by sores on the skin around the genitals and anus.

They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV can cause cancer but are not responsible for genital warts. The type of HPV responsible for genital warts present around the anus, cervix, penis, rectum, scrotum, vagina, and vulva.

Genital warts are not the same as warts that appear on the body and cannot be contracted by touching someone who has warts on other parts of the body.

High-risk factors of genital warts

Unfortunately the following people are considered at higher risk for contracting genital warts.

• Children with infected mothers.
• People under the age of 30.
• People with a history of child sexual abuse.
• People with a weakened immune system.
• Smokers.

How can I contract genital warts?

The several ways to contract genital warts include:

• Direct skin contact with an infected person, especially during oral, anal or vaginal sex. Genital warts can be transmitted when there is no discharge from the genitals, and there is no full penetration into the vagina or anus.
• In rare cases, genital warts can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
• It can be transmitted in the absence of sores, although, this does not happen often.

It's important to get tested for genital warts even when you do not have visible symptoms because it can still be transmitted with no symptoms.

At the private sexual Health Clinic in London, you can quickly and conveniently get tested for genital warts.

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Symptoms of genital warts present as:

• Skin-coloured or whitish bumps on the vulva, cervix, vagina, penis, scrotum or anus. (Looking like little pieces of cauliflower.)
• You may have one or several (big and/or small). They may itch or be painful.

If you think you have any suspicious bumps similar to those described above they may be genital warts. Arrange a visit to the private sexual health clinic in London and get them tested.

How are genital warts treated?

Genital warts are usually complicated.If you believe you have genital warts, it could be a viral infection if the symptoms do not match those above. However you may still be infected with something else if you feel unwell.

After treatment however it can come back as some people are more prone than others. Only a doctor can determine if you have genital warts so if you need to get checked out, contact Sexual Health Clinic.

If your test report verifies that you have genital warts, you will have any of the following treatments.

• Imiquimod cream
• Cryotherapy
• Laser treatment or diathermy
• Podophyllotoxin

It is important to get checked for any genital warts to get you feeling better.