My girlfriend has a wart on her anus. Can I catch anything?

Hello Anonymous,
Yes, you can become infected with HPV, which is the human papilloma virus that causes genital warts. Genital warts are soft growths on the skin and mucus membranes of the genitals. They can be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix and around and in the anus.

HPV infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact involving the anus, mouth or vagina.

Not having sexual contact is the only foolproof way to avoid genital warts.

Male and female condoms cannot fully protect you, because the virus or warts can be on nearby skin. Nonetheless, condoms reduce your risk and you should still use them at all times. HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms.

Maryann