Genital warts

• Signs and symptoms
• Getting it
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Long-term effects

Long-term effects

Warts often come back, even after treatment and need to be treated again.

There are some types of wart virus that may be linked to changes in cervical cells, which can lead to cancer. However, this is rare. Women with genital warts should, like all women over the age of 25, have regular cervical smear tests every 3-5 years.

If you think you may have genital warts, contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic and make an appointment. It's easy and completely confidential.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Where to get help