05/10/2026
Ge***al warts : Njerewere za kumalo obisika
Ge***al warts are a common s*xually transmitted infection.
*What they are:*
Small growths on or around the ge****ls and a**s caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common — most s*xually active people get it at some point.
*How you get it:*
- Through va**nal, a**l, or oral s*xual contact with someone who has the virus
- Even without visible warts, HPV can still be passed on
- It can take weeks to months after exposure for warts to appear
*What they look like:*
- Small flesh-colored, white or pinkish bumps
- Can be flat or raised, single or in clusters (sometimes described as cauliflower-like)
- Often painless, but can cause itching, discomfort, or light bleeding
- In women: on v***a, va**na, cervix, groin
- In men: on p***s, sc***um, groin
- Both: around the a**s, even without a**l s*x
*Important facts:*
- Ge***al warts are not the same as ge***al herpes or syphilis
- The types of HPV that cause warts are NOT the same high-risk types that usually cause cervical cancer, but you can have more than one type at once
- Warts can come back even after treatment because the virus stays in the skin
*Diagnosis and treatment:*
A clinician diagnoses by examination. There is no cure that removes the virus completely, but treatments remove the warts and help the body's immune system.
Common options a clinician may discuss:
- Creams applied to the warts
- Freezing (cryotherapy)
- Other clinic procedures to remove them
Do not use over-the-counter wart removers for hands/feet on the ge***al area — they can cause severe burns.
*Prevention:*
- HPV vaccine (Gardasil) — highly effective if given before exposure, also helps after
- Condoms reduce but do not fully prevent transmission
- Regular cervical screening for women
*When to see a healthcare professional soon:*
If you notice any new growths, itching, discharge, or bleeding, or if your pa