Health Complications and Health Risks of HPV

Genital and anal warts

You may have seen warts on the skin of people, for example on the hands, arms, legs and bottom of the feet. Some types of the HPV virus cause genital and anal warts. In girls, the warts can appear on the vulva, urethra, cervix, vagina, anus or thighs. Boys can have warts on the penis, scrotum, anus or thighs.

If you have skin-to-skin sexual contact with a partner infected by genital warts, even without penetration, you can develop warts within three months of contact.

Sometimes genital warts last for years, but the warts eventually go away. Sometimes the warts will disappear without treatment, but the HPV virus can still be in the body and can return at a later date. So if you find warts on your genitals or your anus, show these to your parents, or consult your doctor or school nurse. They will give you the advice you need.

What do genital and anal warts feel like

Genital and anal warts look like cauliflower-like growths. There is usually no pain, but there could be itching or a burning sensation. Sometimes, there is a bit of bleeding following a bowel movement.

View photos of genital warts (warning: graphic content)

Cancers

Certain high risk types of the HPV virus cause cervical cancers. The high risk types of the HPV virus are also linked to cancers of the penis and of the anus.

In women, certain high risk types of the HPV virus can infect cells in the vulva, vagina and cervix where they can't be seen. These infected cells are considered to be pre-cancerous. The abnormal cells can be detected by a Pap test.

Most young girls have a normal Pap test. If your Pap test results show abnormal cells, your doctor will be able to treat the abnormal cells before they cause more health problems.

What you need to know about the HPV virus and cancer

It is very unlikely that a young girl will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, as it takes many, many years for a cancer to develop. If you have a Pap test within the first three years of becoming sexually active, and then have regular Pap tests throughout your adult life, there is no reason to worry about cervical cancer as the abnormal cells will be detected very early by the Pap test.