Venereal Warts

(Also known as sexually transmitted warts, genital warts, ano-genital warts or human papilloma virus)

What are they?

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted disease. They are caused by a virus. They are flesh-coloured growths that appear on or around the genital and anal area. Venereal warts are similar to common skin warts except they appear on the genital area (vagina, cervix, penis) and/or around the anus. They may appear as single or multiple growths.

How do you know if you are infected?

Signs can show up two to three months after intercourse with an infected person.

Men may notice warts on the penis and surrounding area. Anal warts can be inside or around the anus.

Women may notice or feel warts in or around the vagina or surrounding area. They may also be found inside the vagina.

Where can you be examined and treated for genital warts?

• Your doctor or the STD Clinic in your area. To remove the warts, the doctor can apply special treatment or remove them with surgery.

• Your sexual partner(s) should also be checked and treated.

• Warts can return after treatment and may need treatment again.

What are the risks if you are not treated?

• You can infect other people.

• Venereal warts can be uncomfortable.

• Venereal warts can look like other, more serious, growths.

• Venereal warts can go on to cause some cancers of the cervix.

Prevention

If you have sexual intercourse you can reduce your risk if you:

• have sex with one partner only, who is not infected and is having sex only with you

• use a latex condom and a water-based lubricant.

More facts

• Venereal warts can be treated.

• Occasionally warts can go away on their own.

• Sometimes they return after treatment and need to be treated again.

• Not all venereal warts look the same - they can be different in size, shape and number.

• Venereal warts need medical care - do not delay.

• Complete the whole treatment prescribed by your doctor or STD Clinic.

• Avoid sexual contact while the warts are still present.

• Birth control pills do not provide protection against STDs. Condoms must be used to provide protection against STDs and pregnancy.

For more information, contact:

• Your family doctor, or

  Prince Albert STD Clinic

800 Central Avenue
MacIntosh Mall
Phone: 953-5656

Regina STD and Sexual

Health Clinic
Regina General Hospital
1400 - 14^th Avenue
Phone: 766-7788

Saskatoon STD Clinic

Saskatoon Community Health Unit
100 - 310 Idylwyld Drive North
Phone: 655-4642