Vaginal warts are genital warts that occur on the vagina in women. Although the term “vaginal warts” is popularly used for any genital warts that occur on women, these warts can occur in places other than just the vagina, and they are all caused by the same virus In fact, genital warts occur in both men and women and there is functionally and symptomatically no difference between genital warts occurring on men and those occurring on women.

Genital warts, are the most common sexually transmitted infection. They are caused by infection with a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are more than 100 different types of HPV, some causing visible and invisible warts on the hands, feet or genital areas. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection spread through intimate contact. This doesn’t need to be penetrative sex – close genital contact is enough. The strains of this virus that cause vaginal warts are different to the strains that cause warts on the fingers and hands.

A few types of wart virus are linked to changes in the cells in the cervix, which could lead to cervical cancer many years later. Women should have regular cervical screening tests whether or not they have vaginal warts. Visible vaginal warts are not linked to cervical cancer and women who have had them don’t need cervical screening tests more often than other women.


Who’s affected by vaginal warts?

The number of people with vaginal warts is increasing. Up to 50 per cent of sexually active men and women are infected with the genital wart virus, but usually only a small number of these people develop warts. Both men and women can get genital warts.


What are the causes of vaginal warts?

Genital warts can be passed from one person to another during sex, and by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the wart virus. The virus can remain in the body and be passed on before the warts are noticeable, and also after they have disappeared. Warts can be external or internal. In women, warts can be found on or in the vagina, vulva (the lips around the opening to the vagina), cervix and anus. The virus can spread if you have vaginal or anal sex, or share sex toys. Sometimes the virus can be passed on just by close intimate contact. It’s possible, but unusual, to develop warts in the mouth or on the lips from oral sex. In rare cases, it is possible for a pregnant woman to pass the virus to her baby at birth. You can’t get genital warts from non sexual contact, such as hugging, sharing baths or towels, from swimming pools, toilet seats, cups or cutlery.


What are the symptoms of vaginal warts?

Most people infected will not have any visible signs or symptoms at all. It can take from two weeks to several months after coming into contact with the virus before warts appear. Sometimes they appear years after sexual contact. Vaginal warts may feel like hard, gritty bumps on the skin of the genitals or around the anus before they are seen. They may appear as small, fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes anywhere in the genital or anal area, either externally on the skin, or internally. They can be smooth, flat, large or small, flesh or grey coloured and appear singly or in groups. They’re usually painless, but sometimes may itch and cause inflammation which can bleed. Usually more than one genital wart is present.


How are vaginal warts prevented?

  • Limit the number of sexual partners you have
  • Ask your partner about his sexual history
  • If you think you have been infected, get checked out
  • Tell your partner if you have an infection.
  • Practice Safer Sex – always use a condom.

A vaccine is available to protect against two types of human papilloma virus (6 and 11) that cause genital warts. This is effective when given before someone is in contact with the virus, meaning – for most people – before they become sexually active.


How can I avoid getting vaginal warts?

You can reduce your chances of getting HPV by having sex only with a monogamous and who does not have any obvious warts. The more sexual partners you or your partner have, the more likely you are to contract the virus. And even if you already have (or have had) HPV, being infected with one strain of the virus doesn’t protect you from other strains. Using condoms correctly and consistently also greatly reduces the risk of contracting HPV and many other STIs. However, condoms don’t provide total protection because the virus may be present in areas that aren’t covered by the condom, and a condom can slip or break.


If I have vaginal warts, what’s the best treatment?

Vaginal warts cannot be cured and can come back. However there are a range of treatments for visible warts depending on where and how many warts there are, including cryotherapy (freezing), cauterisation (burning), laser therapy and surgical removal under general anaesthetic. The drawback is that these treatments can be embarrassing, invasive and painful and can cause scarring. Wartrol Homeopathic Genital Wart Relief can quickly help relieve  the symptoms. It is available without prescription, is easy to take and can be used in the privacy of your own home. And the big plus is that it’s natural. It’s made from herbs and minerals found in nature and, as has no reported side effects. With Wartrol Genital Warts Relief formula, you can get relief from the embarrassing and aggravating symptoms of genital warts.

Filed under: HPV Warts

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