How do I know if I’ve got them?

After infection it can take between 1 and 3 months for warts to appear but the big problem is that there are often no symptoms, or warts appear inside your vagina so you can’t see them. They might be itchy but are usually painless.

How do you get them?

It’s passed on by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, which means you could get it by close contact with the genital area and therefore not necessarily by penetrative sex. It can be passed on through sex, anal sex or by sharing sex toys.

Can I get rid of them?

No, there aren’t any cures for them because it’s a virus, which means it can come back at any time. It will also come back if you have unprotected sex with an infected person. Large visible warts must be treated so make an appointment at the GUM Clinic. Treatment may include a special lotion that is put on the warts, or in some cases they might be frozen off (it’s not usually painful).

Warning

Rashes, sores, burning, smelling, itching and generally feeling unwell are some symptoms that you may have an STI