Genital warts
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through skin-to-skin contact during all types of sex—oral, vaginal, or anal.
They’re caused by a virus called HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and are the second most common STI in the UK for under-25s.
Genital warts are not caused by the same virus that causes warts on the hands or verrucas on feet.
They are passed from person to person by skin to skin contact through sexual activity, including sharing sex toys.
You can reduce your risk of getting genital warts by using condoms and washing sex toys before sharing.
The main symptoms of genital warts are small, fleshy lumps or growths around the genital or anal area.
Many people carry the virus without ever developing warts, or it can be months or sometimes years before warts appear.
It can take a few weeks or months for genital warts to appear after having sex with someone who is infected.
Warts do not usually cause symptoms but they may be itchy, inflamed or bleed.
The most common areas for them to appear include:
- Around the opening to the vagina
- Inside the vagina
- Around or inside the anus
- Anywhere on the penis or scrotum (balls)
There is no complete cure for genital warts – but your body usually clears the virus over time.
There’s no routine test for genital warts. If you’ve had unprotected sex or notice small bumps, you’ll need a skin check by a doctor or nurse.
This can be done at:
If you test positive, you should let your sexual partners know so they can get tested and treated themselves.
You can find your nearest GP or sexual health clinic using our find a service tool.
Protecting against genital warts
You can help protect against genital warts by:
- wearing a condom
- HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine can help protect against the types of HPV that cause genital warts and some cancers, including cervical.
Find out more about vaccines here
Treatment
You will only be offered treatment if you have visible warts.
The type of treatment will depend on the warts you have but may include:
- cream or lotion to apply to the warts
- Freezing the warts or removing them
It can take time, so be patient—your body will likely clear the virus eventually.
You should not have sex until your warts have healed.
It’s also important to tell your doctor or nurse if you are pregnant as some treatments may not be suitable for you
