First, what are genital warts?
Genital warts are small growths that can appear around the private part or anus. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can spread through intimate skin-to-skin sexual contact.
The important thing to know
You cannot confirm that a bump is a genital wart just by guessing. Skin tags, irritation, inflamed hair follicles, or even normal skin variations and other infections can look similar. Getting the right assessment helps you avoid treating the wrong thing.
What do genital warts look like?
Their appearance can vary from person to person. They may be so small that you barely notice them, or they may become more obvious over time.
Small, raised bumps
They may be same colour as normal skin or be pinkish, brown or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. Some are smooth while others have a rough surface.
One bump or a group
A wart may appear alone or in a group. Several bumps can sometimes form an uneven or cauliflower-like shape.
Common areas affected
They may occur on the penis, scrotum, vulva, around the vaginal opening, or around the anus. Some may even grow inside the vagina or anal canal.
Sometimes no other symptoms
Genital warts are usually painless. Some people notice itching, discomfort or bleeding when the area rubs against clothing or during sex.
Please do not rely on pictures online alone
A photo or online description cannot reliably identify every genital skin condition. If the bumps are new, changing or worrying you, arrange a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. HPV is common, and it can spread through close intimate skin contact even when there are no visible warts.
HPV can spread through skin contact
Vaginal or anal sex is not the only consideration. Genital HPV can spread through intimate contact between areas of skin, including skin that a condom does not cover.
Warts may not appear straight away
Bumps may appear weeks or months after infection and sometimes much later. The timing alone cannot tell you when HPV was acquired.
Condoms lower risk but do not remove it
Condoms can reduce the chance of HPV transmission, but they cannot cover every area of skin that may carry the virus.
Does having genital warts mean something bad about you?
No. HPV is common, and a diagnosis is not a judgement on a person's character, cleanliness or relationship.
It does not prove infidelity
Because HPV may stay unnoticed for a long time, genital warts cannot tell you when an infection happened or who passed it on. Do not use the diagnosis alone to conclude that a partner has cheated.
Warts do not automatically mean cancer
The HPV types responsible for most genital warts are generally different from the high-risk types that cause most HPV-related cancers. A clinician should still assess unusual or changing growths.
Keep up with cervical screening
If you have a cervix, ask a healthcare professional about appropriate cervical screening. Having genital warts does not automatically mean you need more frequent screening; ask a doctor what applies to your situation.
Take note that not every bump on the private part is a genital wart
This is where guessing can get you into trouble. Other conditions can look similar, and they may need different care.
Skin tags or normal skin variations
Some harmless skin changes can look like small bumps. They may not need treatment, but a new or uncertain change should be checked.
Ingrown hairs or irritated follicles
Shaving, friction or inflamed hair follicles can cause bumps, especially in areas where hair grows. Do not squeeze or pick them.
Other infections or skin conditions
Some infections and skin conditions can cause lumps, blisters, sores or ulcers. Painful blisters or open sores are not the usual appearance of a typical wart and deserve assessment.
So, what should you do?
Do not diagnose yourself from a picture, a friend's experience or a search result. Explain what you noticed and let a clinician help work out what it may be.
How are genital warts diagnosed?
A doctor can often identify genital warts by looking at the affected area and asking about your symptoms. You do not have to know the diagnosis before asking for help.
Examination
The doctor looks at the bumps, where they are, and whether their appearance fits genital warts or another condition.
Other tests if needed
If the appearance is unusual or uncertain, further assessment may be needed. STI testing may also be advised based on your symptoms and exposure.
A plan for your situation
The next step depends on the location and appearance of the bumps, your preferences, pregnancy status where relevant, and your overall health.
Do I need an HPV test to confirm genital warts?
HPV testing is not generally used just to diagnose genital warts. A clinician can explain whether examination, or other STI tests are appropriate for you.
How are genital warts treated?
There is treatment for visible genital warts. The best option depends on where the warts are, how many there are, their size and your health needs.
Prescribed medicines
Some external warts can be treated with medicines prescribed for genital skin. These treatments must be used exactly as directed and are not suitable for every location where warts occur.
Follow-up
Warts can return after treatment. Follow-up helps check how the skin is healing and whether more treatment or a different approach is needed.
Please do not apply ordinary wart remover cream to your private part
Pharmacy products made for warts on the hands or feet can burn or damage the sensitive skin of the genital area. Also, do not cut, tie off or squeeze the bumps. Get advice before using any treatment, especially if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
Does treatment remove HPV completely?
Treatment aims to remove visible warts and relieve symptoms. It does not guarantee that HPV has cleared from the body, so warts may come back. A clinician can discuss what to expect after treatment.
What should you do if you notice warts on your private part?
Keep it simple: avoid making the area worse and get the right assessment.
Do not pick or shave over them
Picking, cutting or shaving directly over the bumps can injure the skin and cause bleeding or irritation.
Do not guess with creams
Avoid random antifungal creams, antibiotics, strong antiseptics or ordinary wart removers unless a clinician has advised a specific treatment.
Arrange a private assessment
Explain when you first noticed the bumps, whether they are changing and if you have itching, pain, sores, discharge or other symptoms.
What about sex while you are being checked?
Consider avoiding sexual contact involving the affected area until you have been assessed, especially if the skin has a sore or is bleeding. If you do have sex use a condom to reduce risk of transmitting the virus. Follow your clinician's advice during treatment.
What about your partner and preventing future HPV infections?
It is normal to have questions about relationships after a genital wart diagnosis. Try to approach the issue with accurate information rather than blame.
Talk with current partner(s)
If genital warts are confirmed, ask your clinician how to discuss it with your current partner(s). Partners may have HPV without visible warts and may benefit from an examination if they notice bumps or other symptoms.
Ask about HPV vaccination
HPV vaccination can prevent infection from several HPV types covered by the vaccine, including types that cause many genital warts. It does not treat existing warts. Ask a healthcare professional whether vaccination is suitable and available for you.
Consider other STI testing
A genital wart diagnosis does not automatically mean you have another STI. Depending on your sexual history, symptoms and concerns, a clinician may discuss whether other tests would be useful.
When should you get checked?
Arrange a medical assessment for new or unexplained genital bumps. It is especially important not to delay if the growths look unusual or are changing.
Arrange an assessment if...
✓ You notice new bumps or growths
✓ They are increasing in size or number
✓ You are unsure what they are
✓ You also have other STI symptoms
✓ Your partner has genital bumps or an STI
Seek prompt clinical advice if...
✓ The growths bleed without clear reason
✓ They are dark, firm, fixed or ulcerated
✓ You are pregnant or may be pregnant
✓ You have a weakened immune system
✓ Treatment is not helping or the area is worsening
Get urgent care if...
✓ You cannot pass urine
✓ You have severe or rapidly worsening pain or swelling
✓ There is heavy bleeding
✓ You have fever and feel very unwell
How SRHN can help
You do not have to figure this out alone or discuss it in a public setting.
Discuss your concern privately
Tell us what you have noticed and what you are worried about. You do not have to know the diagnosis before starting a conversation.
Get guidance on the next step
A sexual and reproductive health doctor can review your symptoms and advise on assessment and treatment. Some bumps need an in-person examination or further testing before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
Common questions about warts on the private part
Clear answers to questions people may feel awkward asking out loud.
Are all bumps on the private part genital warts?
No. Genital bumps may be caused by genital warts, skin tags, irritation, inflamed hair follicles, normal skin variations or other infections. A clinician can assess the bumps; appearance alone is not always enough to identify the cause.
What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can spread through intimate skin-to-skin sexual contact, including when no warts are visible.
Can genital warts appear months after sex?
Yes. Warts may appear weeks or months after HPV infection and sometimes much later. Their appearance cannot reliably tell you when the infection was acquired or who passed it on.
Can genital warts go away on their own?
They may disappear, remain unchanged or increase in size or number. A clinician can discuss whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate after assessing the bumps.
Can I use ordinary wart remover from a pharmacy?
Do not use ordinary hand or foot wart treatments, strong acids or home remedies on genital skin. These products can damage sensitive tissue. Get medical advice about appropriate treatment for the location of the bumps.
Can genital warts be treated?
Yes. Options may include prescribed medicines for certain external warts or treatments performed by a trained clinician, such as freezing or removal. Treatment removes visible warts but does not guarantee that HPV has been cleared, so warts can return.
Do genital warts mean my partner cheated?
No. HPV can remain unnoticed for a long time, and warts may appear months or years after infection. A diagnosis cannot establish when HPV was acquired or prove that a partner has been unfaithful.
Do genital warts mean I will get cancer?
The HPV types that cause most genital warts are generally different from the types that cause most HPV-related cancers. Genital warts alone do not mean you have cancer. If you have a cervix, continue cervical screening according to current healthcare guidance.
Is there a test for genital warts?
A clinician can often identify genital warts by examining the area. HPV testing is not recommended just to diagnose genital warts. Other STI tests may be suggested depending on your symptoms and sexual history.
Does the HPV vaccine treat existing genital warts?
No. HPV vaccination helps prevent new infections from HPV types covered by the vaccine; it does not treat existing HPV infection or remove current warts. Ask a healthcare professional about whether vaccination is suitable for you.