Genital warts
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Fact sheet - Health conditions directory
Genital warts are fleshy growths or lumps found around the genitals and anus. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV refers to a group of 200 known viruses. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, and other types can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. HPV is a very common virus, and most people will have HPV at some point in their lives. Many people will experience no symptoms, and the virus goes away by itself.
Genital warts and HPV are passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has the infection. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, and genital warts can remain subclinical (or without observable symptoms)for long latent periods before presenting as lesions on the skin.
The Australian STI Management Guidelines for use in Primary Care provide guidelines for anogenital warts. HPV is not a notifiable disease. For more resources, visit Stop the Rise of STIs/Genital warts and HPV.