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Genital warts Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about genital warts

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

If I am diagnosed with genital warts, do I need extra cervical smear tests or an HPV test?

No, you're at no greater risk of cervical cancer than a woman who hasn't had genital warts. However, you should go for regular cervical smear tests as this is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Explanation

Having genital warts doesn't make you more likely to develop cervical cancer. Genital warts are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPVs), which are usually passed on during sex. Although most HPV viruses are harmless and don't cause any symptoms, some types (especially types 16 and 18) are associated with a high risk of cervical cancer. The HPVs that cause genital warts (types 6 and 11) are associated with a lower comparative risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer develops if the cells of the cervix become abnormal and grow out of control. The abnormal cell changes are usually triggered by HPV and often disappear when the virus clears up. However, in some women, HPV doesn't go away and cervical cancer can develop if the abnormal cell changes aren't treated.

Cervical screening tests can detect cell changes in your cervix before they turn cancerous. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent three out of every four cases of cervical cancer developing. All women aged between 25 and 64 are eligible for free cervical screening tests.

HPV testing isn't available routinely for most women. However, if your smear test shows very minor or slightly abnormal cell changes, you may also be tested for HPV. This may help to identify whether or not the cell changes should be treated. The HPV test uses some of the cells collected during the cervical smear so you don't need to go for a separate test.

Testing positive for a high-risk HPV doesn't mean that you will definitely develop cervical cancer. However, it does put you at a greater risk of cervical cancer than a woman whose test is negative. If you're found to have a high-risk HPV, you will be referred for further tests.

If you don't have a high-risk HPV but have some minor abnormal cell changes, you will be invited for a repeat cervical smear and HPV test after six months.

Further information

Sources

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer - the facts. Royal College of Nursing. www.rcn.org.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
  • HPV testing for women with a cervical screening result of borderline or mild dyskaryosis. www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
  • What is the HPV virus? Questions and answers. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
  • NHS Cervical Screening Programmes. www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
  • Cervical screening results explained. NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, Cancer Research UK. www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
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Does the national HPV vaccination programme protect against genital warts?

No, the vaccine being used in the NHS HPV vaccination programme only protects against the two types of human papilloma virus (HPV) associated with a high risk of cervical cancer. You will still need to take precautions against catching genital warts and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Explanation

There are over 100 types of human papilloma virus (HPV). Over half of all women who have sex will get one or more of these viruses at some point in their life.

Many HPVs come and go without causing any problems. However, some types can damage the cells in a woman's cervix. Over time, these changes can lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is nearly always associated with HPV.

Since September 2008, all 12 to 13 year-old girls in the UK are now routinely offered a HPV vaccination. There is also a catch-up programme to vaccinate all girls under 18. To obtain full protection girls need to have three doses of the HPV vaccine over a six-month period.

The vaccine being used in the NHS programme (called Cervarix) protects women against two particular types of HPV (types 16 and 18). These viruses are associated with cervical cancer in more than seven in every 10 women who develop the disease. They are also linked to cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis and anus. Cervarix doesn't protect against the HPV types 6 and 11 - these are the cause of genital warts in nine out of 10 people who get them.

There is another HPV vaccine (Gardasil), which does protect against HPV types 6 and 11 as well as types 16 and 18. However, although Gardasil is licensed in the UK, it isn't available on the NHS. If you would like to be vaccinated with Gardasil, you will have to pay for this at a private clinic.

HPV vaccines don't protect against any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or against pregnancy. Therefore, you need to take other precautions to stop you catching STIs, such as using condoms every time you have vaginal or anal sex. Although condoms reduce the risk of catching HPV, they aren't completely effective as the viruses can be spread by skin-to-skin contact of genital areas that aren't covered by condoms.

Because HPV vaccines don't protect against all cervical cancers, girls should still have regular cervical smear tests later in life. The cervical smear tests will detect any cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

Further information

Sources

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Is it safe to treat genital warts in pregnant women?

Genital warts can be safely treated during pregnancy, but it's important to tell your GP if you are, or could be, pregnant as this will affect the treatment you're offered. Many medicines used to treat genital warts aren't suitable for pregnant women. The treatment may even be delayed until after your baby is born unless the warts could cause problems during the birth.

Explanation

Genital warts don't usually cause any problems during pregnancy. However, they can grow in size or number while you're pregnant. You may develop genital warts for the first time during pregnancy or notice that they have reappeared after years without any symptoms.

If your genital warts grow very big, they may need to be removed or treated so they don't cause problems when you're giving birth. Large warts can block your cervix and vagina - this is very rare but you will need to have a caesarean delivery. There is also a risk that the virus will be passed onto your baby during a vaginal delivery. If your baby catches the virus, he/she could develop warts in the genital area or throat - this may mean he/she can't breathe properly. However, this is also very rare.

If you have been diagnosed with genital warts, tell your GP or nurse that you're pregnant as this may affect the treatment you're offered. Certain medicines used to treat genital warts can cause problems with your baby's development.

It's safe to have cryotherapy to treat genital warts if you're pregnant. This involves putting very cold liquid nitrogen directly onto the warts using a spray or cotton bud to freeze and destroy them. You may also be able to have surgery to cut away small warts that are easy to reach.

Further information

Sources

  • Genital warts. Family Planning Association. www.fpa.org.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
  • United Kingdom national guideline on the management of anogenital warts, 2007. Clinical Effectiveness Group (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV). www.bashh.org, accessed 11 September 2008
  • Clinical guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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