New research has revealed the areas of England which have the most and least genital warts diagnoses – and it’s good news if you live in Blackburn with Darwen.

According to the NHS data, researched by online pharmacy NowPatient, Blackburn with Darwen is the fourth least infected area of England, when it comes to being diagnosed with genital warts, which are most commonly transmitted via sexual activity.

The data showed that there are 14.85 cases per 100,000 people in the area.  

Navin Khosla, a pharmacist at NowPatient, said: “Genital warts are transmitted through skin-on-skin contact, including vaginal and anal sex, sharing sex toys and although rare, oral sex.

“Genital warts is a common STI and it can take a few weeks or months for the infection to appear after having sex with someone who is infected.”

Symptoms of genital warts, according to the NHS

Genital warts are usually small, rough lumps on the skin.

They can appear:

  • around the vagina and on the penis
  • around the anus
  • on the skin between the genitals and anus (perineum)

Genital warts may:

  • appear on their own or in a group (groups of warts can look like a cauliflower)
  • feel soft or firm
  • be white, red, skin-coloured, or darker than the surrounding skin

They do not usually cause symptoms but sometimes they may be painful, itchy or bleed.

You may also have:

  • pain or discomfort during sex
  • problems peeing (there may be blood in your pee, you may find it hard to pee, or you may stop and start a lot)

View the complete set of data on the NowPatient website at: www.nowpatient.com/ health-news/sti-capitals