A new lump, bump or change in genital skin can be worrying, especially when you are unsure what it means. Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They are usually harmless, but they can be uncomfortable, affect confidence and be passed to sexual partners.

The good news is that genital warts can be treated. Getting clear advice early can help you understand your options, avoid using the wrong product on sensitive skin and take practical steps to reduce transmission.

What genital warts look and feel like

Genital warts can appear on or around the penis, vulva, vagina, anus, groin or upper thighs. They may also occur inside the vagina or anus, where they are harder to see. They are often skin-coloured, pink, greyish or slightly darker than the surrounding skin.

Some warts are small, flat and easy to miss. Others may have a raised, rough surface or form a cluster that resembles a tiny cauliflower. They are not usually painful, although they can itch, feel irritated, bleed after friction or cause discomfort during sex.

Not every bump in the genital area is a wart. Ingrown hairs, skin tags, spots, cysts and other STIs can look similar. This is why self-diagnosis can be unreliable. If you have noticed a new growth, particularly if it is painful, ulcerated, bleeding or changing quickly, seek assessment from a sexual health professional or clinician.

How genital warts are passed on

The HPV types that cause genital warts are spread through close skin-to-skin sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal and oral sex, as well as genital contact without penetration. A person can pass on HPV even when they do not have visible warts.

Warts may appear weeks, months or sometimes longer after exposure. That delay means it is usually impossible to know exactly when HPV was acquired or from whom. Having genital warts does not mean that anyone has been unfaithful.

Condoms reduce the chance of passing HPV on, but they do not provide complete protection because nearby skin may still be in contact. Dental dams can also reduce risk during oral sex. HPV vaccination offers protection against the HPV types responsible for most genital warts, although it does not treat an existing infection.

When to arrange a check

It is sensible to arrange an assessment if you think you may have genital warts, especially if this is the first time you have had symptoms. A clinician can confirm whether the changes are likely to be warts and advise which treatment is appropriate for the location and size of the affected area.

You should get prompt medical advice if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, have diabetes that is poorly controlled, or the affected skin is very sore, inflamed or infected. Assessment is also important if you have growths inside the vagina or anus, or if you are unsure whether the condition could be herpes or another STI.

Because more than one STI can be present at the same time, testing may be recommended depending on your symptoms and sexual history. This is a routine part of looking after your sexual health, not a judgement.

Genital warts treatment options

Treatment removes visible warts, but it does not guarantee that HPV has completely left the skin straight away. The immune system usually controls the virus over time. Warts can clear without treatment, but this may take months or longer, and they may grow or spread in the meantime.

For suitable external genital warts, prescribed creams or solutions may be used at home. These treatments work by either destroying wart tissue or encouraging the immune system to respond to it. They need to be used exactly as directed, as genital skin is delicate and applying too much can cause burning, soreness or broken skin.

Treatment is not suitable for every area. Products intended for ordinary hand or foot warts should never be used on genital skin. They may cause significant irritation and can damage healthy tissue. If warts are internal, widespread, uncertain in appearance or have not responded to treatment, a clinician may advise a procedure carried out in a healthcare setting instead.

The best option depends on where the warts are, how many there are, whether you have used treatment before and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. An online consultation can be a private and convenient starting point for suitable cases, but you may be directed to an in-person service when an examination is needed for safe care.

Using treatment safely

Before applying any prescribed treatment, wash and dry the area gently. Apply only to the wart itself and avoid healthy surrounding skin as far as possible. Follow the planned treatment cycle rather than applying it more often in the hope of faster results.

Mild redness, tenderness or irritation can happen, particularly as treatment starts to work. Pause treatment and seek advice if you develop severe pain, marked swelling, open sores, discharge or signs of an allergic reaction. Do not have sex if the treated skin is sore or broken, as this can be painful and may irritate your partner’s skin too.

Some treatments can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms while they are on the skin. Check the medicine information carefully and ask a pharmacist or prescriber if you are unsure which contraception to use during treatment.

Sex, partners and practical next steps

You may choose to tell current or recent sexual partners that you have genital warts. There is no perfect timeframe for partner notification because HPV can be present without symptoms for a long time. However, an open conversation allows partners to look out for changes, consider sexual health testing and make informed decisions about protection.

It is generally best to avoid sexual contact while warts are visible and while treatment is being used, particularly if the skin is irritated. This does not remove all future risk of transmission, but it can reduce the chance of spreading HPV. Once warts have gone, condoms remain a sensible way to lower the risk of HPV and other STIs.

Avoid shaving over visible warts, as this can irritate the skin and may spread the virus to nearby areas. Keep the area clean with water or a gentle unperfumed wash, dry it carefully and avoid fragranced products if the skin feels sensitive. Picking or cutting warts yourself can cause bleeding, infection and scarring.

Can genital warts come back?

Yes. Recurrence is common, particularly in the first few months after treatment, because HPV may still be present in nearby skin even when visible warts have been removed. This does not necessarily mean treatment has failed or that you have caught HPV again.

If warts return, a further assessment can help determine whether to repeat treatment or choose a different option. Most people find that outbreaks become less frequent over time as their immune system gains control of the virus. Smoking can make it harder for the body to clear HPV, so stopping smoking may support both sexual health and general wellbeing.

Genital warts can feel personal, but they are common, manageable and not a reflection of cleanliness or character. A prompt, discreet consultation can replace uncertainty with a clear treatment plan and help you feel more comfortable moving forward.