Genital Warts
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Genital warts
are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are growths that appear in or on the penis, vagina, or anus. Genital warts are spread during genital, anal, or oral sex. They can also be passed to a baby during childbirth.
Signs and symptoms of genital warts:
Genital warts are flat or dome shaped bumps. You may have a small bump or a group of bumps. They are usually the same color as your skin, but can change color over time. As the warts grow, your skin may itch, burn, or bleed. Over time the warts may look like cauliflower. They may feel moist and rough.
Call your doctor if:
- Your genital warts return.
- The skin that is being treated for genital warts is very painful or swollen.
- You see or feel new warts on another part of your body.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
The virus that causes genital warts cannot be cured. Treatment can help improve your symptoms. Treatment can also help prevent you from spreading warts to others and may help prevent cervical cancer in females. Small genital warts may heal without treatment. In some cases, the warts can get bigger, or you may get more of them. Treatment may include topical medicines, cryotherapy, or electrocautery to remove the warts. Your healthcare provider may also use laser therapy. You may need surgery to remove the warts if other treatments do not work.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Self-care:
- Do not touch or scratch the warts. This can cause the infection to spread to other parts of your body.
- Do not have sex while you are being treated for genital warts. Medicine used on your skin weakens condoms and diaphragms. You also risk spreading genital warts to your partner.
- Get regular Pap smears if you are female. This can help diagnose HPV and prevent the spread of the virus.
Prevent the spread of genital warts:
- Tell your sex partner that you are being treated for genital warts. Your partner may also be infected and need treatment.
- Get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given at 9 to 26 years of age to help prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about this vaccine.
- Use latex condoms during sex. This helps prevent another infection and keeps your partner from getting the infection.
- Limit your number of sex partners. This will help lower your risk for another infection or other STIs.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Genital Warts
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.