Genital warts

What is it and how do I get it?

Genital warts are one of the most common STIs. They are caused by two viruses from the human papilloma virus (HPV) family. They are similar to the warts you can get on other parts of the body.

You can catch genital warts easily through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. This can happen during sex or contact with the penis or vagina, or by sharing sex toys.

The virus can also remain undetected on the skin. This means it can be passed on to another person before any warts develop or are noticeable, or after they have disappeared.

What are the symptoms?

Warts can take a year of more to develop after infection with the wart virus.

You may notice small, pinkish or white cauliflower-like lumps or warts, appearing singly or in groups around the penis or vagina or inside the vagina. You can’t always see warts, especially if they are inside the vagina or in the anus (bottom).

The warts may be itchy but are painless, although they will bleed if scratched.

What does getting tested involve?

If you think you have come into contact with the virus a doctor or nurse can usually tell whether you have genital warts simply by examining your penis or vagina.

If none are visible, you may be asked to come back at a later date for another examination.

If everything in and around your penis or vagina looks and feels normal to you, then you do not have genital warts. However, you could still carry the virus that causes them.

If you develop symptoms, then you should go back to your doctor or the sexual health service you attended.

How can I get tested?

You can get tested and treated for genital warts at your local Genito-urinary Medicine (GUM) or Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinic or at your GP surgery.

All of these services are totally confidential. GUM and CaSH clinics are specialist clinics that deal with STIs. You don’t need to have been referred by your GP to use them you can make an appointment over the phone yourself.

If you want to find out more information about GUM and CaSH clinics, have a look at our 'What to expect: GUM clinics' and 'What to expect: CaSH clinics' pages.

What does treatment involve?

Warts can be treated with special anti-wart ointments or paints prescribed by your doctor or sexual health worker – these can be used at home.

Do not use wart-removal creams that you can buy over the counter from the pharmacy, as these will not work on genital warts.

Other treatments include freezing. This is carried out by a doctor or nurse and although not painful, may be uncomfortable. You may need to have several treatments to ensure the complete removal of the warts.

Although the virus is usually cleared from the body by the immune system, warts can recur.

What are the health effects?

If left untreated, genital warts may disappear on their own. However, they may also stay the same size, or grow larger in size and number. They will also remain infectious.