Genital warts occur on or around your penis, vagina or anus. Sometimes they can even be found ín your genitals or anus. Many people get scared when they discover genital warts, but the good news is: they are not dangerous. In most cases, they disappear on their own.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are small, often soft spots on the skin. They can be red, gray or brown in color. They often have a cauliflower surface. Sometimes you only have one or a few. Sometimes there are just a lot of them. Usually you can see them easily, but they can also be hidden in your vagina, anus or urethra. Then you may feel them but not see them.

The warts may itch or irritate, but often they do not hurt at all. Still, they can be perceived as annoying or embarrassing, especially during sex.

How do you get genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by a virus: human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of this virus. Some types cause warts on the hands or feet; others cause genital warts.

HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. You can get the virus by:

• Vaginal, anal or oral sex
• Intimate skin contact with someone who is infected
• Contact with contaminated fingers or hands
• Sharing a towel

Even if you use a condom, you can get the virus. This is because the condom does not cover all the skin around your genitals.

The striking thing is that almost everyone in the Netherlands has had HPV at some point, but most people don't get genital warts. The virus can be in your body without you noticing it. You can then pass it on to someone else.

Are genital warts dangerous?

No, genital warts are not dangerous. They are annoying, but they do not pose a risk to your health. Important to know: the type of HPV that causes genital warts is not the same type that can cause cervical cancer. So you do not run an extra risk of cancer if you have genital warts.

How common are genital warts?

In the Netherlands, more than 45,000 people contract genital warts every year. And these are only the people who go to the doctor. So in reality there are many more. Most cases are seen in young people between the ages of 19 and 25.

What can you do if you have genital warts?

Do you notice spots on your penis, vagina or anus? Or do you feel something you don't trust? Then it is smart to get in touch, for example with us. The doctor/nurse can check whether they are indeed genital warts.

Treatment of genital warts

In many cases, you don't have to do anything at all. The warts disappear on their own, usually within a few months. Sometimes it takes longer, up to two years.

Are the warts bothering you a lot, or are they not going away? Then there are several treatments available:

• A cream with medicine
• Dotting with a liquid
• Freeze
• Burning away or cutting away

Sometimes one treatment works better than another. Also, the warts may come back after treatment. This is because the virus may still be in your body. Discuss with your doctor/nurse what works best in your situation.

Can you prevent genital warts?

You can't prevent it completely, unfortunately. But you can reduce the chance of infection:

• Use a condom during sex. This does not protect completely, but it does protect partially.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your genitals.
• Do not share towels or underwear with others.
• Get vaccinated against HPV. This provides protection against several types of the virus, including those that cause genital warts.

Finally, don't be ashamed

Genital warts are common. You're really not the only one who gets them. Many people have HPV without knowing it. Infection can happen even if you've only had sex once. So don't be ashamed. Seek help if you have symptoms, and know: it's annoying, but not dangerous.