Published on:
March 23, 2026
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United Kingdom, caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small, flesh-coloured bumps on or around the genitals and anus, and while they are not dangerous in most cases, they can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and anxiety. The good news: genital warts are treatable, and with the right approach, most people can clear visible warts within weeks to months.
This guide covers what causes genital warts, how to recognise them, the full range of treatments available, and what you can do to lower your risk of getting or spreading them.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, specifically HPV types 6 and 11, which account for roughly 90% of cases. HPV is a family of over 200 related viruses, and while some strains are linked to cervical and other cancers, the strains responsible for genital warts are classified as "low risk" and do not typically lead to cancer.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You do not need to have penetrative intercourse to contract the virus; close genital contact is enough. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission but do not eliminate it entirely, because the virus can live on skin that a condom does not cover.
One of the more frustrating aspects of HPV is its incubation period. After exposure, warts can take anywhere from three weeks to several months to appear. Some people carry the virus without ever developing visible warts, which means they can pass it on without knowing they are infected. Research suggests that a significant proportion of sexually active adults will contract at least one strain of HPV during their lifetime.
Genital warts vary in appearance. They can be small and flat, or they can grow in clusters that resemble a cauliflower. Their colour usually matches the surrounding skin or appears slightly darker. Common locations include the vulva, vaginal walls, cervix, penis shaft and tip, scrotum, and the area around or inside the anus.
Many genital warts produce no symptoms beyond their physical presence. However, some people experience itching, tenderness, or a burning sensation around the affected area. In rarer cases, warts near the urethra can interfere with urination. Warts can also bleed if they are scratched or irritated during sexual activity.
If you notice any unfamiliar lumps or bumps on your genitals, a medical assessment is worthwhile. Several other conditions, including molluscum contagiosum, skin tags, and even certain cancers, can mimic the appearance of genital warts. A doctor can usually diagnose them through a visual examination, though in some cases a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions. If you are concerned, you can book a genital warts consultation with one of our GPs for a confidential assessment and treatment plan.
In most cases, a GP or sexual health specialist can diagnose genital warts by examining the affected area. The characteristic texture and pattern of warts makes them identifiable on sight for an experienced clinician. Your doctor may use a magnifying lens or, less commonly, apply a dilute acetic acid solution, which can cause warts to turn white and become more visible against surrounding skin, though this test has limited specificity and is not routinely used.
For women, warts found on or near the cervix may be detected during a smear test. If your doctor suspects the warts could be caused by a higher-risk HPV strain, or if the appearance is atypical, they may take a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. This is not routine, but it helps exclude precancerous changes.
It is worth noting that standard STI screening panels do not automatically test for HPV. If you have had a new sexual partner or are experiencing symptoms, let your doctor know so they can tailor the examination accordingly.
There is no cure for the HPV virus itself, but your immune system will usually suppress the infection over time. Treatments for genital warts focus on removing the visible warts and managing symptoms. The approach your doctor recommends will depend on the size, number, and location of the warts, as well as your personal preferences.
Several prescription creams and solutions can be applied directly to the warts. Podophyllotoxin (brand name Warticon) is a plant-derived compound that you apply at home over several weeks, working by destroying the wart tissue. Imiquimod (Aldara) takes a different approach: rather than attacking the wart directly, it stimulates your immune system to fight the HPV infection in the affected area. Both treatments require patience, as results often take four to sixteen weeks.
Sinecatechins, a green tea extract ointment, is another option sometimes prescribed for external genital warts. Each of these treatments can cause localised skin irritation, redness, or soreness. Your doctor will explain how to use them correctly and what side effects to watch for. Over-the-counter wart treatments designed for hands or feet should never be used on genital skin, as they contain chemicals too harsh for this sensitive area.
When topical treatments are not suitable or have not worked, your doctor may recommend a procedure performed in clinic. Cryotherapy involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the affected tissue. This treatment typically requires repeat sessions spaced one to four weeks apart. You may feel a stinging sensation during the procedure and some soreness afterwards.
Electrocautery uses an electrical current to burn away warts, while surgical excision involves cutting them out under local anaesthetic. For larger or more widespread warts, laser therapy may be used. Each of these methods has a good success rate, though none can guarantee that warts will not return, since the underlying virus may remain dormant in surrounding skin cells.
Recurrence is common, particularly within the first three months after treatment. Around 20–30% of people who have their warts treated will see them return, and some studies suggest the figure may be higher depending on the treatment method used. This does not mean the treatment failed; it reflects the nature of HPV, which can persist at low levels in the skin. If warts do return, your doctor may try a different treatment method or combine approaches. Over time, as your immune system gains the upper hand, recurrences tend to become less frequent and may eventually stop.
Pregnancy can cause existing genital warts to grow larger or more numerous, driven by hormonal changes and a naturally suppressed immune system. If you are pregnant and have genital warts, your midwife or obstetrician should be informed. In most cases, warts do not affect the pregnancy or the baby.
However, very large warts in the vaginal canal can occasionally obstruct delivery, and in extremely rare situations, the virus can be transmitted to the baby during birth, potentially causing warts in the infant's throat (a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis). Your healthcare team will assess whether treatment during pregnancy is appropriate. Some topical treatments, including podophyllotoxin and imiquimod, are not safe to use while pregnant, so cryotherapy or surgical removal may be preferred if intervention is needed. If you have concerns about HPV and pregnancy, our guide to common pregnancy issues covers related topics.
The most effective way to prevent genital warts is through HPV vaccination. The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against nine strains of HPV, including types 6 and 11 (the main causes of genital warts) and types 16 and 18 (which are linked to cervical, anal, and throat cancers). In the UK, the NHS offers the HPV vaccine to children aged 12–13 as part of the routine immunisation schedule, and it is available privately for adults who were not vaccinated at school.
Since the introduction of widespread HPV vaccination programmes, rates of genital warts among young people have dropped significantly. If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure of your vaccination status, speak to your GP. The vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure to HPV, but it can still offer protection even if you have already been sexually active, as you may not have encountered all the strains it covers. You can find out more about the HPV vaccine and whether it is right for you.
Beyond vaccination, using condoms consistently reduces your risk, though as mentioned, they do not provide complete protection. Limiting the number of sexual partners and having open conversations about sexual health with partners also lower transmission risk. Avoiding sexual contact during an active outbreak of visible warts reduces the chance of spreading the virus, though HPV can still be transmitted when no warts are present.
A genital warts diagnosis can feel distressing, but it is important to put the condition in perspective. HPV is extraordinarily common. Most sexually active adults will encounter it at some point, and for the majority, the infection resolves without long-term consequences. Genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11 are not associated with cancer.
Many people find the emotional impact harder to manage than the physical symptoms. Feelings of shame, embarrassment, or worry about telling a partner are understandable and normal. Talking to a healthcare professional can help you process these feelings and develop a plan for discussing the diagnosis with current or future partners. Sexual health clinics, including those offered through the NHS, provide confidential advice and support.
From a practical standpoint, maintaining a strong immune system may help your body clear the virus more efficiently. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all contribute to general immune health. Smoking has been linked to higher rates of persistent HPV infection and wart recurrence, so quitting smoking can make a measurable difference.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, please see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic for a proper assessment.
Yes. In many cases, the body's immune system will suppress the HPV infection and the warts will disappear without treatment, though this can take months or even years. Treatment speeds up the process and can reduce the risk of passing the virus to a partner during an active outbreak.
No. While both are caused by strains of HPV, the strains responsible for genital warts (types 6 and 11) differ from those that cause common warts on the hands and feet. The treatments also differ, and you should never use an over-the-counter hand or foot wart remedy on your genital area.
You can, but you should inform your partner about your diagnosis. Using condoms reduces but does not eliminate the risk of transmission. Many couples choose to wait until warts have been treated and have cleared before resuming sexual activity, though HPV can still be present in the skin even when no warts are visible.
Genital warts themselves do not affect fertility in men or women. The HPV strains that cause warts are low-risk and do not damage the reproductive organs. If you have concerns about fertility, speak to your GP for personalised advice.
Doctors generally advise monitoring the treated area for at least three to six months after the warts have cleared. If no new warts appear during this period, the likelihood of further recurrence drops considerably. Your immune system typically suppresses the HPV infection within one to two years of the initial diagnosis.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
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