What are genital warts?

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that appear as small bumps or growths on the genitals or around the rectal area. They are caused by specific types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although HPV cannot be completely cured, treatments are available to remove the warts. The infection can be spread to others through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. 

Areas affected by genital warts

Gneitals warts can affect in several parts of the body, such as:

• The groin or surrounding pelvic area

• Around the anus and inside the rectum

• On the penis or scrotum

• On or inside the vagina, including the vulva, labia minora and labia majora, and the cervix

• In the mouth, on the lips, tongue, or in the throat.

Who is at risk for genital warts?

Genitaals warts can happen to anyone, but they are most frequently seen in teens and young adults. Your risk is higher if you:

• Don't use protection like condoms or dental dams during sexual activity.

• Have several sexual partners.

Can genital warts be spread to others?

Yes, genital warts and the virus behind them (HPV) can be spread to others. There is no cure for HPV, so once you are infected, you can potentially spread it to someone else at any time. Even if you don’t show symptoms, or if the warts are removed, the virus can still be transmitted to another person through sexual contact.

What leads to genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by specific strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). They are passed through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Other types of HPV cause warts in different areas of the body, such as hands or feet, so you cannot get genital warts from touching those warts.

Gential warts can be transmitted through:

• Vaginal, anal, or genital-to-genital sex (including penis-to-vagin and vagina-to-vagina contact)

• Direct genital contact without ejaculation

• Giving oral sex to a partner with HPV or visible genital warts

• Receiving oral sex from someone with HPV or warts in the mouth, lips, or tongue

It’s also possible to carry the HPV strain that causes geintal warts without ever developing visible warts yourself. This means you can still spread the virus to a partner, who may develop genital warts. Because of this, it can be difficult to know which partner transmitted the infection.

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts appear as small, skin-colored or whitish-gray bumps on the skin. Many have a rough, cauliflower-like texture, while some are flat. They usually don’t cause pain, but in some cases they may lead to:

• Light bleeding.

• Burning or stinging sensations.

• Discomfort.

• Itching or irritation in the genital area.

Some warts are tiny and hard to see, but they can usually be felt. Occasionally, warts form clusters, grow larger, or develop a stalk-like shape. Most start as soft, small growths that may go unnoticed at first.

When do genital warts appear?

Some people may notice genital warts just a few weeks after being exposed to HPV. However, in many cases, it can take several months or even years for the warts to show up. Because of this delay, it can be hard to determine exactly when the infection occurred.

It’s also possible to carry the virus without ever developing visible warts. Warts may be hidden inside the vagina or anus, making them hard to detect. Even without symptoms, you can still pass the virus to others.

How are genital warts diagnosed?

A healthcare professional can usually identify external genital warts by examining the affected area. In some cases, they may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis. Warts located internally can be harder to detect.

Doctors may use these methods to check for genital warts:

• Pelvic exam: during a pelvic exam, a Pap test can be one to look for changes in the cervix caused by warts. A colposcopy may also be performed to closely examine and biopsy the cervix or vaginal walls

• Anal exam: An anoscope, a small medical device, allows providers to inspect the inside of the anus of warts. 

It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you suspect a genital wart. Other STIs, as well as harmless skin growths like moles or skin tags, can look similar. Getting an accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the proper treatment. 

Sometimes, genital warts disappear on their own because your immune system fights the infection. However, warts can also grow, multiply, or become uncomfortable. Removing warts helps reduce the risk of passing the virus to others, since active warts spread more easily. It’s important to know that treating genital warts does not cure HPV.

There are several ways healthcare providers may remove genital warts, and multiple sessions may be needed. During treatment, you should avoid sexual activity:

• Electrocautery: Uses an electric current to burn off the warts.

• Cryotherapy (freezing): Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy the warts.

• Laser treatment: A laser destroys the tiny blood vessels inside the warts, cutting off their blood supply.

• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): An electrically changed wire loop removes warts, often used on the cervix.

• Tropical medications: Prescription creams or solutions are applied to warts, sometimes at the clinic or at home. These chemicals cause blisters under the warts, reducing blood flow and helping them heal.

• Surgery: Large warts or those that don’t respond to other treatments can be surgically removed.

Even after treatment, the HPV virus can remain in your body. You can still transmit HPV to others, even if warts are no longer visible or an outbreak isn't active.

How long do genital warts stay?

HPV, the virus that causes genital warts, stays in your body for life. This means that even after removing warts, they can return.

People respond differently to treatments, so the best approach may vary. If you have genital warts, discuss with your healthcare provider which removal method is most suitable for you.

Is it possible to get genital warts again?

Yes. Since there is no cure for HPV, the virus that causes genital warts, it’s possible to develop genital warts multiple times, even after treatment.

Complications of genital warts

Genital warts usually don't lead to serious health problems. The HPV types that cause genital warts are considered low-risk. The HPV strains that can cause cancer are different from the ones responsible for genital warts.

Can genital warts turn into cancer?

No, genital warts do not develop into cancer.

How do Genital warts affect pregnancy?

If you have an active genital wart outbreak during pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause the warts to grow, multiply, or bleed. In rare cases, complications can include:

• Transmission to the baby: HPV can rarely be passed to the newborn, leading to warts in the baby’s airway, a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

• Blockage of the birth canal: Large warts or clusters of warts may make vaginal delivery difficult, requiring a C-section.

If you have a history of genital warts but no active outbreak during pregnancy, they typically do not cause any problems.

What happens if you have genital warts?

Genital warts and the HPV virus that causes them are common sexually transmitted infections. These warts and their HPV strains do not raise your risk of cancer. Some people experience genital warts only once, while others may have repeated outbreaks. Treatments can remove the warts, but they do not cure the virus. Even after treatment, you can still spread HPV, so practicing safe sex with partners is important. 

Can genital warts be prevented with a vaccine?

The HPV vaccine helps protect against certain strains of HPV, including those that cause genital warts and some types of cancer. There are over 100 different HPV strains. Even if you already have the HPV type that causes genital warts, the vaccines that still protect you from other high-risk strains.

Ways to protect yourself from genital warts?

• If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading HPV, genital warts, and other STIs by:

• Using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity

• Getting the HPV vaccine

• Going for regular STI testing and treatment when needed

• Informing your sexual partners if you have HPV or genital warts so they can get tested and treated

• Avoiding vaginal rinsing, which can upset the natural balance of your genital area

• Being in a mutually monogamous relationship or limiting your number of sexual partners

When to see a healthcare professional?

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

• Itching or irritation in the genital area

• Redness, soreness, or swelling of the genitals

• Unusual or strong-smelling vaginal or penile discharge 

• Pain during sex 

• Pain or burning when urinating

Questions to ask your healthcare provider

If you have genital warts, consider asking your doctor or healthcare provider:

• What signs or symptoms should I watch for that might indicate complications?

• How can I reduce the risk of passing HPV or genital warts to my partner?

• Am I at risk for cervical cancer, and what can I do to stay healthy?

• What steps can I take to prevent getting another STI?

• Are genital warts likely to return after treatment?

• Which treatment option is most suitable for me?