Description
HPV is the virus that can cause warts on the dick, arse or surrounding areas. HPV is very common with more than 75% of sexually active people getting the infection, usually between the ages of 18-25. Only about 10% of people who get HPV infection actually get warts. The rest usually don’t know they have it.
Transmission
Warts are passed on by any skin to skin contact with an infected person.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms include small bumpy warts around the dick, balls, and arse, or discomfort when going to the toilet if the inside of the arse is infected, but they can also be painless. There may be no symptoms at all.
If symptoms are present they will generally appear 2-3 months after being infected, but can take much longer. Outbreaks of warts can then appear periodically.
Testing
A physical examination of the infected area is all that is needed to detect warts.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for genital or anal warts, but a doctor can remove the warts by freezing, burning using laser, or by applying liquid wart-paint or creams. Warts can recur and treatment sometimes requires several visits.
If you’re HIV Positive
Outbreaks of warts can be more severe and harder to treat in HIV positive men. Some types of genital wart virus have been linked to a greater risk of anal cancer. This risk appears even greater for HIV positive men.
Prevention
Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission but do not always cover the infected area. The warts may be present on the balls or arse area.
A vaccine is available and is free for girls between 9-26 and boys from 9-15. The age difference is because most people get it in the first five years of sexual activity, and for boys this is typically earlier than girls. But it only works if you are vaccinated before you start having sex. Talk to your doctor for more information.
