In women, warts can be found on the vulva (the lips around the opening to the vagina), cervix (entrance to the womb) and upper thighs, in the vagina and on or inside the anus. In men, warts can be found on the penis, scrotum, urethra (tube which urine passes through) and the upper thighs, and on or inside the anus.
You need to be examined by a doctor or nurse to confirm that you have genital warts. You can see a doctor or nurse at a genitourinary medicine(GUM) clinic, a sexual health clinic or at your own general practice.
It is possible to have genital warts even if your partner has no symptoms.
You should go for a check-up if:
- You or your partner have symptoms of genital warts.
- You have recently had unprotected sex with a new partner.
- You or your partner have had unprotected sex with other partners.
- A sexual partner tells you they have a sexually transmitted infection.
- You have another sexually transmitted infection.
- You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
You can be checked as soon as you think you might have been in contact with the virus. As visible warts don’t always develop straightaway you may be asked to come back for another check-up.
At a check-up, the doctor or nurse will examine the warts. They sometimes do this using a magnifying lens. Genital warts are normally easily diagnosed by looking at them.
Sometimes, an internal examination of the vagina or anus is needed to see if there are any warts inside. Rarely, a small sample (biopsy) of the wart is taken for further examination. Depending on the area being examined, local anaesthetic may be used.
All check-ups are free and are confidential.
