An infection with human papilloma viruses is the most frequent sexually transmitted disease. A distinction is made between low-risk HPVs, which may cause the occurrence of anogenital warts – condyloma - and high-risk HPVs, which may cause pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in the genitals and anus.

Anogenital warts (Condylomata acuminata) are protuberances occurring on the inner thighs, on the vaginal lips, inside the vagina, on the cervix, around the anus, in the anal channel, on the head of the penis, on the scrotum, and – in rarer cases – in the oral cavity, throat or vocal chords.

These warts are softer and smoother than those occurring elsewhere on the body. The infection is principally transmitted through sexual contact (anal, vaginal, oral). In rarer cases, transmission is possible through towels, clothes, sexl accessories of an infected person or even at birth.

A few weeks or a year or more may pass between the infection and the occurrence of condyloma. Although the risk of infection increases with a higher number of sexual partners, smoking and infection with other STDs (HIV etc.), most HPV infections do not cause problems and pass by themselves in a year or two. Rare forms of condyloma may develop malignant (cancerous) changes, so it is important that anyone with condyloma and his or her partner see a doctor. If there is condyloma in the anal channel, testing for HIV and syphilis is recommended.

Pre-cancerous changes and early forms of cervical cancer may be detected by a gynaecologist with a PAP test. A cervical smear is taken from women within the national programme of early detection of cervical cancer ZORA or within the framework of a gynaecological examination. Seeing a gynaecologist regularly is therefore important for all women over 20.

Men and women practising anal sexual intercourse are recommended to have regular examinations by a proctologist.