Genital Warts

Infection

The viruses that cause genital warts are very easily transmitted. Even simple skin-to-skin contact can be enough. Condoms do not offer protection. Shaving the buttom increases the risk of infection, as small cuts in the skin make it even easier for the viruses to enter the body. 

Disease Progression

The warts or bumps, which are initially small and appear on the glans, the penis, and on and inside the bottom following an infection, can develop into ulcers if left untreated, or even into cancer after many years. They can recur even after successful treatment, as only the genital warts can be treated, not the virus that causes them.

Treatment

As long as genital warts are still small, they can be treated with ointments, cryotherapy or laser treatment. Once they have started to spread and formed a ‘carpet’ of warts, only surgery remains as an option.

Tips:

• Keep an eye out for small bumps, particularly where the skin meets the mucous membrane, and see a doctor if you suspect anything.
• People who are HIV-positive and men with a severe infection should have a routine check-up once a year.
• A protective vaccination (which you have to pay for) is only advisable if you have had no sex at all or very little sex. Otherwise, you are most likely already carrying the virus.
• You can get recommendations for specialists on the Mann-O-Meter!
• In any case, after having genital warts removed, you should abstain from sex until everything has healed, or at least give the affected areas a break from sex. This is because the open sores mean the risk of transmitting HIV and hepatitis C is particularly high.