In this blog post, we’re delving into a topic that many might find uncomfortable but is incredibly important to understand: genital warts. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including what they are, symptoms, when and where to get help, treatment options, and finally, prevention. Remember, while I am a licensed doctor in the UK, this post is intended as a general educational resource and should not replace advice from your own healthcare provider.

First things first, what are genital warts? Genital warts are a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They develop after direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV, typically through sexual activity. A common myth is that genital warts can be caught from hugging, sharing baths, towels, sheets, toilet seats, or swimming pools. This is not true.

There are over a hundred different types of HPV, but most genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. Warts on the fingers or soles of the feet, which you might know as verrucas, are caused by different HPV types and do not spread to the genital skin.

So now that we know what genital warts are, what are some potential symptoms? Genital warts usually appear within 2 to 3 months of developing an HPV infection, but they can take up to a year to manifest. They can affect the penis, vagina, or anus. In women, genital warts usually begin as small, gritty-feeling lumps that become larger. In men, they look similar to warts that sometimes develop on the hands—firm and raised with a rough surface.

A person might have a single wart or clusters of multiple warts that grow together to form a cauliflower-like appearance. They are typically painless, although some people might experience itchiness and irritation, especially if the warts develop around the anus. Some people also report that the warts can bleed after sex. Warts that develop near or inside the urethra (the tube through which urine passes) can disrupt the normal flow of urine, causing it to go off in different directions.

If you think you have warts on your genitals, it’s crucial to go to a sexual health clinic, especially if you have one or more painless growths or lumps around your vagina, penis, or anus. Other signs include itching or bleeding from your genitals or anus, a change to your normal flow of urine (e.g., it begins to flow sideways), or if you have a sexual partner who has genital warts.

While you can see your family medicine doctor or GP, they will probably refer you to a sexual health clinic. These clinics specialize in treating problems with the genitals and urinary system and most offer a walk-in service where you don’t need an appointment. I recommend making this your first point of call because they are specifically trained to recognize and treat these issues, and you’ll often get your results back faster.

To help you find a sexual health clinic in the UK or the USA, I’ve included some helpful links in the description box of the video associated with this blog post.

What happens at a sexual health clinic? A doctor or nurse can usually diagnose warts just by looking at them. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and sexual partners and will examine the lumps around your genitals and anus, possibly using a magnifying lens.

Now, let’s talk about treatment. The type of treatment you’ll be offered will depend on what the warts look like and where they are located. Options include creams or liquids that you can apply to the warts yourself a few times a week for several weeks. In some cases, you might need to go back to the clinic where a doctor or nurse will apply it. Other treatment options include excision, where the doctor or nurse may cut, burn, or use a laser to remove the warts, or they may decide to freeze the warts. They will discuss these options with you to decide the best treatment.

It might take weeks or months for the treatment to work, and the warts may come back. In some people, the initial treatment may not work. It’s important to tell the doctor or nurse if you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant because some treatments won’t be suitable for you.

Avoid perfume soap, shower gels, or bath products during treatment because these can irritate your skin. Do not use over-the-counter wart treatments from a pharmacy as they are not made for genital warts. Avoid smoking and refrain from any type of sex until the warts have gone.

Finally, how can you prevent genital warts from being passed on? Use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Don’t share sex toys, and avoid having unprotected sex while you have the warts, as it makes it much more likely to pass on the virus to your partner.

For more information on genital warts, please check out the description box of the video linked to this post. It includes useful resources, information about treatment, and places you can go for a sexual health check. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section of the video.

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