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Understanding genital warts
- Cause
- HPV, mostly types 6 and 11
- Spread by
- Skin-to-skin sexual contact
- Treatment
- Removes warts, not the virus
- Prevention
- The HPV vaccine
Genital warts are growths on or around the genitals and anus caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). About 90% are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. These are low-risk types and are not the types linked to cervical and other cancers.
HPV passes between partners through close genital skin contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex, and it can spread when no warts are showing. Warts can appear weeks to months after contact, and many people who carry HPV never develop them.
HPV is extremely common. Most sexually active people get it at some point, and the immune system usually clears it on its own.
What genital warts look like
Genital warts vary in size and shape. They may be:
- Small skin-colored, pink or gray bumps
- Flat, raised or cauliflower-shaped
- Single, or in clusters
- On the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, anus, groin or thighs
- Usually painless, but sometimes itchy or irritated
- Occasionally bleeding after sex or friction
Have these checked in person
Some bumps need an exam or biopsy to rule out other conditions:
- Dark, hard, bleeding or ulcerated bumps, or ones fixed to the skin underneath
- Warts inside the vagina, on the cervix, in the urethra or inside the anus
- Growths that are spreading quickly
NotePainful blisters or open sores are more typical of genital herpes, which needs different treatment.
What raises your risk
- Not being vaccinated against HPV
- The vaccine protects against the types that cause most warts.
- New or multiple partners
- More partners means more chances of HPV exposure.
- Condomless sex
- Condoms lower the risk, but don't cover all the skin that HPV can reach.
- A weakened immune system
- A weakened immune system makes warts more likely and harder to clear.
How genital warts are diagnosed
Genital warts are usually diagnosed by how they look. There's no routine blood test for HPV warts, and an HPV test isn't needed to diagnose them.
A clinician may take a small biopsy if a growth looks unusual, doesn't respond to treatment or gets worse during treatment.
Treating genital warts
Genital warts may go away on their own within a year, so waiting is a reasonable choice for some people. Many choose treatment to remove warts sooner and ease discomfort or worry. Treatment removes the warts but doesn't remove HPV from the body.
| Creams applied at home | Applied at home a few times a week; helps the immune system fight the warts |
|---|---|
| In-office treatments | Freezing, acid solutions or minor surgical removal, done by a clinician |
Warts often return after treatment, especially in the first 3 months.
Using at-home treatments
- Follow the application schedule exactly, and wash off as directed
- Expect some redness or irritation where the treatment is applied
- Avoid sexual contact while cream is on the skin. Some treatments can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.
- Don't use over-the-counter wart removers. They're not designed for genital skin.
- Contact your provider if irritation is severe or warts aren't improving
Is an online visit right for you?
Online care is often a good fit if you:
- Have small external warts on the genitals or groin
- Have had genital warts diagnosed before and they've returned
- Want to discuss at-home treatment options
- Prefer to talk about sexual health privately
Get in-person care if you:
- Have warts inside the vagina, cervix, urethra or anus
- Have bumps that look unusual, bleed or are ulcerated
- Have a weakened immune system
How PulseCareMD can help with genital warts
A PulseCareMD visit is a discreet way to have new bumps reviewed and talk through treatment, without the discomfort of an in-person appointment. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Tell us what you've noticed
Answer a short, private questionnaire about the bumps, their location and your health history.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider checks whether at-home treatment suits the warts you describe. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get a treatment plan
Your provider will explain your treatment plan, or give advice on in-person care.
Lowering your risk
No method is perfect, but these steps make a real difference:
Get the HPV vaccine
Recommended at ages 11–12, with catch-up through age 26. Adults 27–45 can ask whether it's worthwhile for them.
Use condoms
They lower the risk of HPV, though they don't cover all skin.
Talk with partners
Share your sexual health status and get tested for other STIs.
Avoid contact during outbreaks
Skip sex while visible warts are present or being treated.
Frequently asked questions
When to get prompt care
Contact a provider or seek in-person care if you have:
- Heavy bleeding from a wart or treated area
- Severe pain, blistering or open sores after treatment
- Signs of infection, such as fever, spreading redness or pus