Genital warts are a common condition caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. These warts appear as small, raised bumps on or near the genital and anal areas and can affect people of any gender or sexual orientation.

While they can be distressing or uncomfortable, genital warts are manageable with the right medical approach. Learning more about what causes them, how to recognize symptoms, and the treatment options available can help you take better control of your health and prevent transmission to others.

What Do Genital Warts Look Like?

Recognizing Early Signs
Not everyone who contracts HPV develops visible warts. However, if symptoms do occur, they typically show up as:

  • Flesh-colored or slightly darker bumps

  • Clusters that may resemble cauliflower in texture

  • Bumps that are usually painless but may cause itching or mild burning

Common Areas Affected
Genital warts may appear in or around:

  • The vagina or vulva

  • The cervix

  • The penis or scrotum

  • The anus or rectal area

  • The groin or upper thighs

These symptoms vary from person to person, and some may never develop visible warts at all, despite carrying the virus.

What Causes Genital Warts?

HPV As the Primary Cause
Out of more than 100 known types of HPV, types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of all genital wart cases. Most HPV infections go unnoticed because the immune system suppresses the virus before symptoms arise.

Modes of Transmission
HPV is mainly spread through sexual contact, including:

  • Vaginal, oral, and anal sex

  • Genital-to-genital skin contact

  • Sharing sex toys

  • From parent to child during childbirth

After exposure, it may take weeks or months for warts to appear—if they appear at all.

Who Is At Risk of Genital Warts?

Higher Risk Factors Include:

  • Being between the ages of 17 and 33

  • Being assigned female at birth

  • Having multiple sexual partners

  • Smoking cigarettes

  • Having a weakened immune system due to illness or medication

  • Previous HPV infections

Even individuals in monogamous relationships or with minimal sexual history can contract HPV, particularly if they haven’t been vaccinated.

How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed?

What To Expect During Your Appointment
If you suspect you might have genital warts, consult your healthcare provider. Common specialists who can assist include:

  • Primary care physicians

  • Gynecologists

  • Urologists

  • Dermatologists

Diagnostic Methods Used:

  • Medical history: To evaluate your risk factors and symptoms

  • Visual exam: A physical inspection of the affected area

  • Anoscopy: Examination of the anal region using a small device

  • Pap smear: For those assigned female at birth, this test checks for HPV and abnormal cervical cells

  • Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken to confirm the diagnosis

Your doctor may also test for other conditions that resemble genital warts, such as:

  • Syphilitic lesions (condyloma lata)

  • Benign skin growths

  • Other STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea

What Are the Treatment Options for Genital Warts?

There is no cure for the HPV virus itself, but treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the chance of spreading the infection.

Topical Treatments

Prescription Creams Include:

  • Imiquimod (Aldara): Boosts the immune response

  • Podophyllotoxin (Condylox): Destroys wart tissue

  • Sinecatechins (Veregen): A green tea extract used for external genital and perianal warts

These creams are applied directly to the affected area as directed by your provider and are often used over several weeks.

Surgical And Procedural Options

If topical treatments are not effective or warts are widespread, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Common Procedures Include:

  • Excision: Cutting off warts with a scalpel or scissors

  • Cryotherapy: Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen

  • Electrocautery: Burning warts using an electric current

  • Laser removal: Using concentrated light to vaporize warts

  • Photodynamic therapy: Applying a special light-sensitive substance and exposing it to specific light wavelengths

Each method varies in healing time and risk of recurrence.

How Can You Prevent Genital Warts?

HPV Vaccination

One of the most effective ways to prevent genital warts is through vaccination. The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against the HPV strains most commonly associated with genital warts (types 6 and 11), as well as high-risk cancer-causing strains.

CDC Guidelines Include:

  • Routine vaccination recommended for children starting at age 11 or 12

  • Catch-up vaccination available up to age 26

  • In some cases, individuals up to age 45 may be eligible depending on risk

Speak to your healthcare provider to determine if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

Safe Sex Practices

Even vaccinated individuals should practice safe sex to further reduce risk:

  • Use condoms or dental dams consistently and correctly

  • Limit the number of sexual partners

  • Avoid sharing sex toys or clean them thoroughly

  • Get tested regularly for STIs

While condoms do not offer complete protection from HPV due to skin-to-skin transmission, they significantly reduce the risk.

Boosting Immunity to Reduce Risk

Lifestyle Changes That May Help:

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

  • Get regular physical activity—at least 150 minutes per week

  • Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep nightly

  • Avoid smoking or quit if you currently do

  • Limit alcohol and manage stress effectively

These changes support your body’s natural defense system and may help reduce the impact of HPV-related symptoms.

Living With Genital Warts

Genital warts can be emotionally and physically distressing, but they are rarely dangerous or life-threatening. Most people experience flare-ups that go away with treatment—though warts can return.

Important Things To Remember:

  • Many individuals with HPV never develop visible warts

  • Treatments manage symptoms but don’t eliminate the virus

  • Recurrence is common, especially within the first three months after treatment

  • Routine follow-ups and consistent care help reduce outbreaks and lower transmission risk

Emotional Impact

The stigma and anxiety surrounding STIs can weigh heavily on a person’s mental health. If genital warts are affecting your self-esteem or relationships, consider speaking with a mental health counselor. They can help you cope emotionally and guide you in having open, honest conversations with partners.