Where do they come from?

* it comes from a virus called 'Human Papilloma Virus' (HPV)

* there are approximately 73 different  varieties - some cause warts on other parts of the body and some just in the genital area

How do I get them?

* close physical or sexual contact

How long do they take to show?

* any time from 3-18 months

What might I notice?

* they can 'lie dormant' (sleeping) and you may not have any symptoms

* they may only be found when a partner notices that they have them or they are told at another check-up ie smear test

* there may be tenderness, general itching and inflammation 'down below' or around the 'back passage'

* there may be obvious visible warts or 'cauliflower like' clusters of warts

* there may be a feeling of 'lumps' growing on the skin

* there may be alteration in the strength and direction of your urine stream ('wee')

What tests would I have?

* a doctor would look at the warts, perhaps with a magnifying glass under a good light

* for women: smear tests may show the presence of wart virus at the neck of the womb

* sometimes a woman may be asked to have a 'colposcopy' at the hospital, where the neck of the womb is viewed with a special magnifying glass/microscope

What treatment is there?

Men and women

* some warts are painted with special medicine

* others have to be frozen off or burnt off under local anaesthetic

* some of the treatments can take several weeks and involve many visits to the clinic

Women

* some warts on the neck of the womb, have to be treated by various minor surgical measures

What should I do after I finish the treatment?

* be guided by the doctor treating you

Where can I get treatment in Bolton?

What about my partner?

* however much you may be embarrassed, it is important to tell your partner /s

* they should be checked at a GUM Clinic, even if no warts can be seen

Women

* regular cervical smears are also strongly advised

* these should be yearly for 3 years - then if clear, every 3 years

What about sex?

* there is a risk of passing on the virus at any time but the most likely time is whilst warts are present - until given the 'all clear' is given by the doctor treating you, usually 3-6 months after the completion of the treatment