Fig warts (condyloma von lateinisch: Condylomata acuminata) are little reddish or skin-coloured growths on the skin, mainly found on the genitals and anus. They're caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Some types of HPV can cause cancer, especially in women.

The virus is fairly common and you can easily become infected through sex. If you come into contact with infected skin, even minute injuries to your own skin are enough. Condoms reduce the risk of contagion.

You often don't notice fig warts because they're not always painful and only sometimes itchy. But you should still get treatment because they can cause cancer. In men, too.

You might have heard of HPV vaccination. There are two vaccines available in Germany. Both cover only infections with certain types of HPV. And both are recommended for young women and girls only.