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General health information

Genital warts

Warts on the penis, vulva, vagina or anus are usually genital warts caused by low-risk HPV types. They can appear months after infection and do not prove recent infidelity; have the diagnosis confirmed, do not use ordinary wart treatments on the genitals, and discuss STI testing, treatment, pregnancy and HPV vaccination.

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Warts on the penis, vulva, vagina or anus are usually genital warts caused by low-risk HPV types. They can appear months after infection and do not prove recent infidelity; have the diagnosis confirmed, do not use ordinary wart treatments on the genitals, and discuss STI testing, treatment, pregnancy and HPV vaccination.

  • One or more soft, flat, rough, stalked or cauliflower-like bumps on or around the genitals or anus.
  • Itching, irritation, burning, moisture or slight bleeding with friction.
  • Never use ordinary salicylic-acid wart treatments, acids, bleach or home remedies on the penis, vulva, vagina or anus.
  • Do not scratch, cut or shave over warts, and wash hands after touching or treating them.
  • Make an appointment for every new suspected wart on the penis, vulva, vagina or anus before self-treatment.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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G
GonorrhoeaGonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect the urethra, vagina or cervix, anus, throat and sometimes the eyes. Many people have no symptoms but can still pass on the bacteria. Get tested at the relevant sites, have sexual partners seek advice and use only treatment prescribed by a doctor, because resistance is a worldwide problem.
C
ChlamydiaChlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often causes no symptoms. Testing provides clarity and treatment reduces the chance of complications and further spread.
W
WartsCommon warts are benign, rough skin bumps caused by skin types of human papillomavirus, mainly on hands and feet. They often disappear on their own; treat them only if troublesome, and have a bleeding, rapidly changing, dark, painful or uncertain area assessed before using a wart treatment.