HPV - the STI without symptoms

When to see your doctor
If you notice any unusual growths, bumps or skin changes on or near the penis, vagina, vulva or anus, or any unusual itching, pain or bleeding, you should make an appointment to see your GP. You should also seek medical advice if a sexual partner tells you that he or she has genital HPV or genital warts.

What is the treatment?
Most genital warts are treated because people don't like the look of them. Even with treatment, about one in four people will have a recurrence within three months. Studies have shown that small warts of short duration (less than one year) respond better to therapy than large warts of long duration. All treatments can cause mild irritation.

No single treatment is ideal for all women. The goal of treatment should be to remove visible genital warts and get rid of annoying symptoms. None of the available treatments is better than another, and no single treatment is ideal for all cases.

DIY treatments

• Podophyllotoxin solution or gel is a relatively cheap, safe and easy-to-use treatment that can be applied by you. It must be applied twice a day for three days, followed by four days of no therapy. It can cause considerable irritation of the treated area.


• Imiquimod cream is a treatment for external genital warts and perianal warts. It is safe, effective, easy-to-use and, unlike podophyllotoxin, is not a tissue-destructive therapy, although it can cause local reactions including itching, redness and pain. This cream stimulates the immune system to target the warts. You apply the cream three times a week for up to 16 weeks.


• Although comparative studies of the two drugs have not been conducted, it appears that podophyllotoxin works faster and is less expensive, although imiquimod may be more effective and less irritating. Both treatments require that you be able to identify and reach the warts. Responses to these drugs can include tenderness, irritation and localised burning.