Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) - Genital Warts

Cause: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), mainly types 6 and 11.

Type: Viral sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Spread:

• Passed easily by sexual contact with an infected person.
• Any sexually active person can get infected.

Key Symptoms:

• Soft, flesh‑coloured, cauliflower‑like growths on genital skin and around anus.
• Often occur at multiple sites and can form clusters.
• Usually painless, may cause itching.
• Appear after 6 weeks–6 months (incubation period).

Prevention & Treatment:

• Keep the area clean, do not scratch, and wash hands after touching warts.
• Avoid sexual contact when lesions or discomfort are present; abstain from skin‑to‑skin sex play.
• Cold compresses and common pain relievers can reduce discomfort.
• Stop smoking; smokers are more likely to develop warts.
• Warts can be removed by surgery or laser and sometimes treated with interferon injections.
• HPV vaccine protects against the two types causing about 90% of genital warts.