Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which is caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus does not always cause symptoms and warts can come and go. 

It can be upsetting and embarrassing to have genital warts, but try to remember that they are really common and anyone can get them. 

If you have warts or think you could have the virus, please reach out to us. We have seen it all before and the sooner you can start treatment the better. 

Treatments for genital warts can take weeks or months to work. There's no complete cure, but most people get rid of the virus within 2 years.  It tends to take longer for people who smoke.

You may have HPV, the virus that causes genital warts, without having the warts themselves or any other symptoms. 

If you do have symptoms, they can include:

  • Growths or lumps around your vagina, penis or anus (bottom) – you may just have one wart or lots of them. 
  • Itching or bleeding from your vagina, penis or anus. 
  • A change to how your pee comes out (it might start coming out at a sideways angle, for example). 

Genital warts are not often painful, but they can become inflamed and itchy. We know they can also be distressing. We are here if you need support. Genital warts can show up years after you’ve caught HPV and might come back after you’ve got rid of them.  

You can get genital warts from: 

  • vaginal and anal sex
  • sharing sex toys
  • genital contact – even if you use a condom, warts can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact 
  • oral sex, though this is rare

Warts may also appear for the first time, or return after a long time, when you’re pregnant because your immune system is lower. They may get worse during pregnancy, but they can be treated safely. You can pass the virus to your baby during birth, but this is very rare. 

You can get the virus, and develop warts, even if your partner does not have symptoms. 

If you think you have genital warts you can get checked out at one of our confidential sexual health clinics:

•    call us on 0800 328 3383 
•    find a clinic online 

You’ll be prescribed treatment free of charge if you need it. 

The treatment you’re prescribed will depend on where your warts are and what they look like. If you are embarrassed it might be tempting to buy and use over-the-counter treatments designed for warts on your hands instead, but these will not work on genital warts. 

Genital warts treatments include:

  • a cream to use at home, or which the clinic can apply
  • freezing the warts at the clinic
  • minor surgery or laser treatment under local anaesthetic to remove the warts

It can take a few treatments over weeks or months to get rid of the warts. Do not have sex until your warts have cleared up so you do not pass on the infection.

Treatments will work better if you do not smoke. Live Life Better Derbyshire has some great support to offer if you think it’s time to quit. 

No. Genital warts are not linked to cancer. The type of HPV that causes genital warts is not the same as the type that’s linked to cervical cancer. 

However, the HPV vaccine protects against the types linked to cancer as well as the types that cause genital warts. Regular cervical screening (smear tests) can also protect against cervical cancer.  Find out more about the HPV vaccine.

You can protect yourself from genital warts and stop them being passed on by having safer sex and using condoms. Learn all about preventing STIs.