What are genital warts. How are genital warts transmitted. What do genital warts look like in men. How are genital warts diagnosed. What treatments are available for genital warts. Can genital warts be prevented. What is the long-term outlook for men with genital warts.

Understanding Genital Warts: A Common Sexually Transmitted Infection

Genital warts are a widespread sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These small, flesh-colored growths appear on the genitals and surrounding areas, affecting both men and women. In the United Kingdom alone, over 130,000 cases were treated in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in 2015, highlighting the prevalence of this condition.

HPV is a group of viruses with over 100 different types, but only a few cause genital warts. The most common culprits are HPV types 6 and 11, which are responsible for approximately 90% of all genital wart cases. These strains are considered low-risk, as they rarely lead to cancer. However, other HPV types can cause more serious health issues, including cervical, anal, and penile cancers.

Transmission of Genital Warts

Genital warts spread primarily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The virus can also be transmitted through non-penetrative genital contact. It’s important to note that condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV, as the virus can infect areas not covered by condoms.

Individuals can transmit the virus even when no visible warts are present, making it challenging to determine when infection occurred. The incubation period for genital warts varies widely, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even years after initial exposure.

Recognizing Genital Warts in Men: Symptoms and Appearance

Genital warts in men can manifest in various ways, and their appearance may differ from person to person. Understanding the typical characteristics of these growths is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment.

Common Symptoms of Genital Warts in Men

• Small, flesh-colored or grayish bumps on the penis, scrotum, or anal area
• Cauliflower-like clusters of warts
• Itching or discomfort in the genital region
• Bleeding during intercourse

It’s important to note that many men with HPV infection may not develop visible warts or experience any symptoms. This asymptomatic nature of the infection contributes to its widespread transmission.

Locations Where Genital Warts Commonly Appear in Men

1. Shaft of the penis
2. Head of the penis (glans)
3. Underneath the foreskin in uncircumcised men
4. Scrotum
5. Anus and surrounding area
6. Upper thighs
7. Groin area

In some cases, genital warts may also appear in the mouth or throat if contracted through oral sex with an infected partner.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation of Genital Warts

Accurate diagnosis of genital warts is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Healthcare providers employ various methods to identify and confirm the presence of these lesions.

Visual Examination

The primary diagnostic tool for genital warts is a thorough visual inspection of the affected areas. A healthcare professional will carefully examine the genitals, anus, and surrounding regions for any suspicious growths or lesions. In some cases, the application of a mild acetic acid solution may be used to make the warts more visible.

Biopsy

When the diagnosis is uncertain or there are concerns about potential malignancy, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small sample of the suspicious tissue for microscopic examination. Biopsies can help differentiate genital warts from other conditions and identify the specific HPV type causing the infection.

HPV DNA Testing

While not routinely used for diagnosing genital warts, HPV DNA testing can be employed in certain situations. This test can identify the presence of high-risk HPV types associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, it’s important to note that a positive HPV test does not necessarily mean that visible warts are present or will develop.

Treatment Options for Genital Warts in Men

Managing genital warts involves a combination of approaches aimed at removing visible lesions and boosting the body’s immune response to fight the underlying viral infection. Treatment options vary depending on the size, location, and number of warts, as well as individual patient factors.

Topical Medications

• Imiquimod: An immune response modifier that stimulates the body’s defenses against HPV
• Podophyllotoxin: A plant-based substance that destroys wart tissue
• Sinecatechins: A green tea extract with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties

These medications are typically applied directly to the warts following a prescribed regimen. Treatment duration can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the condition and individual response.

Surgical Interventions

1. Cryotherapy: Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen
2. Electrocautery: Burning off the warts with an electric current
3. Laser therapy: Using focused light to destroy wart tissue
4. Surgical excision: Cutting out the warts under local anesthesia

Surgical options are often reserved for larger or more extensive warts, or when topical treatments have proven ineffective. These procedures are typically performed in a clinical setting and may require multiple sessions for complete removal.

Combination Therapies

In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended for optimal results. This approach can involve using topical medications in conjunction with surgical interventions or alternating between different treatment modalities.

Prevention Strategies and Risk Reduction for Genital Warts

While complete prevention of genital warts is challenging due to the prevalence of HPV, several strategies can help reduce the risk of infection and transmission.

HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against the most common HPV types that cause genital warts and certain cancers. Vaccination is recommended for both males and females, ideally before the onset of sexual activity. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of two or three doses, depending on the age at which vaccination begins.

Safe Sexual Practices

• Consistent condom use during sexual activity
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Open communication with sexual partners about STI history and testing
• Regular STI screenings, especially for those with multiple partners

While these practices can significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission, it’s important to remember that condoms do not provide complete protection against the virus.

Maintaining a Healthy Immune System

A strong immune system can help the body fight off HPV infections more effectively. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can contribute to overall immune health.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications of Genital Warts

Understanding the long-term implications of genital warts is crucial for men affected by this condition. While many cases resolve without serious complications, there are potential risks and considerations to keep in mind.

Recurrence and Persistence

Genital warts have a tendency to recur, even after successful treatment. This is because the underlying HPV infection can remain dormant in the body for extended periods. Some individuals may experience multiple recurrences over time, while others may see their warts resolve permanently after initial treatment.

Psychological Impact

The presence of genital warts can have significant psychological effects on affected individuals. Many men report feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem. These emotional challenges can impact personal relationships and sexual well-being. Seeking support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups can be beneficial in addressing these psychological aspects.

Increased Cancer Risk

While the HPV types most commonly associated with genital warts (types 6 and 11) are considered low-risk for cancer, infection with other HPV strains can increase the risk of certain cancers. In men, this includes an elevated risk of penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Regular health check-ups and cancer screenings are important for early detection and prevention.

Advances in Genital Wart Research and Future Treatment Prospects

The field of genital wart research is continually evolving, with ongoing efforts to develop more effective treatments and prevention strategies. Several promising areas of study are shaping the future of genital wart management.

Immunotherapy Advancements

Researchers are exploring new immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance the body’s natural defenses against HPV. These include the development of therapeutic vaccines that stimulate the immune system to target and eliminate HPV-infected cells. Such treatments could potentially offer more effective and long-lasting results compared to current options.

Novel Topical Treatments

Innovative topical formulations are being investigated to improve the efficacy and tolerability of genital wart treatments. These include new drug delivery systems, combination therapies, and natural compounds with antiviral properties. The goal is to develop treatments that are more potent, have fewer side effects, and require shorter treatment durations.

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Advancements in diagnostic technologies may lead to more accurate and efficient methods for detecting HPV infections and identifying specific viral strains. This could enable more personalized treatment approaches and better monitoring of treatment responses.

As research progresses, it is likely that new and improved options for managing genital warts will become available, offering hope for more effective treatments and better outcomes for affected individuals.

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Genital Warts | Symptoms, Images, Causes & Diagnosis

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Genital warts remain one of the most common conditions treated in GUM clinics with over 130,000 cases treated a year in the UK in 2015.

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are approximately 120 types of HPV, of which about 40 infect the genital tract. Types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of Genital warts cases.

Most people who have been exposed to HPV do not get any warts. There is a good chance that you and your partner have already shared the virus with each other and like most people who carry the virus without getting any symptoms, your partner has not developed any warts.

In the unlikely event that your partner does get warts in the future, it does not mean that they have necessarily contracted this virus from you. It’s possible that they may have been exposed to the virus even before starting your relationship but have never developed warts until now.

Treatment

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Effective treatment options available for Genital warts of all shapes and sizes.

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Skin lesions and lumps around the genitalia (and sometimes anus).

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Genital warts are an STI, caused by transmission of HPV (Human papillomavirus)

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Diagnosis of genital warts is often by a physical examination from a specialist.

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Symptoms

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Why do I have anal warts when I’ve never had anal sex?

Can genital warts be painful?

Will my genital warts go away?

When do genital warts start to appear?

What are the complications of Genital warts?

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts produce painless skin lesions or lumps in the genitalia and sometimes around the anus. Genital warts may be so small and flat that they can’t be seen with the naked eye. Sometimes, however, genital warts may multiply into large clusters.

They can be itchy or sore when they are growing fast, and occasionally may bleed.

Genital warts in men:

Men can experience genital warts in the following areas:

• Pubic area
• Penis
• Meatus (i.e. in the opening of the water pipe)
• Scrotum
• Perineum (i.e. the area between the external genitals and the anus)
• Anus
• Peri-anal area

A note on meatal warts:

1. Warts can also be found in the opening of the water pipe which can present blood in the urine or deviation in the direction of the flow of urine.
2. Sometimes meatal warts are missed unless the clinician specifically examines you for it.
3. Wart creams should not be used for treatment of meatal warts as they can severely inflame the area, making passing urine painful and difficult.

Genital warts in women:

Women can experience genital warts in the following areas:

• Pubic area
• Vulval area
• Vaginal walls
• Cervix
• Perineum (i.e. the area between the external genitals and the anus)
• Anus
• Peri-anal area

Genital Warts during pregnancy

The genital warts of a pregnant patient does not normally present a risk to the baby. We meet many patients who have anxiety about potentially passing the virus to their newborn.

This anxiety about warts is often compounded by a sense of embarrassment at the prospect of delivering in front of midwives and doctors. We urge our patients not to dwell too much on such anxieties, and to ask us questions so that we may ease your concerns.

Effect on relationships

The effects of genital warts on one’s relationship can be significant – affecting men and women alike. This may involve:

• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety about transmitting it to partner
• Breakdown of relationships
• Abstinence from intimacy

Why do I have anal warts when I’ve never had anal sex?

Many people are perplexed to learn that they have anal warts even if they have not engaged in anal sex. This is because the HPV has a tendency to infect both anal and genital areas irrespective of its site of initial contact. Therefore, having anal warts does not mean that one has necessarily had anal sex.

Can genital warts be painful?

Genital warts may cause discomfort and/or irritation. This can be due to inflammation produced by rubbing against clothing, or the rapid increase in size outstripping its blood supply.

Genital warts, especially those with a narrower base, can twist on its base cutting off its blood supply and can become painful and discoloured.

Occasionally, the warts can also be a site for another infection which may be responsible for the pain. Commonly encountered infections causing pain include:

• Anaerobic infections
• Herpes outbreak
• General bacterial infections

It is important to diagnose and treat these underlying infections before treatment for genital warts is considered.

Lastly, one may find themselves with some discomfort as a consequence of Cryotherapy or Wart Creams as a treatment of genital warts.

Genital warts can also occur in the mouth or throat of a person following oral sexual contact.

Will my genital warts go away?

Many patients report that the warts have resolved spontaneously without any treatment. Studies show that up to 50% of warts resolve on their own within 24 months of their occurrence.

However, it is hard to predict who will benefit from such spontaneous clearance, and many people do not like the idea of having on-going warts due to cosmetic and confidence reasons.

In the event that your warts don’t go away by themselves, or you’d prefer not to wait, effective genital wart treatment options are available. To learn more about the various treatment options we provide, please click here.

When do genital warts start to appear?

Genital warts usually appear between 3 weeks to 8 months after exposure to HPV/Genital warts. However, it is entirely possible to develop genital warts after this time if the virus becomes active from its dormancy. This means that genital warts may appear on someone after years of being exposed to HPV.

What are the complications of Genital warts?

In most people, genital warts do not lead to any medical complications.

However, the following complications may sometimes arise:

1) Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Sometimes High Risk HPV may be present in the warts and this can lead to development of cellular abnormalities which may lead to the development of cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). This is why sometimes a screen for High Risk HPV and a biopsy is recommended to rule out underlying problems.

High risk HPV (HR-HPV) causes abnormalities on the cells of genital tissue, and these abnormalities are described by the site of their occurrence, namely PeIN (Penile intra-epithelial neoplasia), VIN (Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia), CIN (Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and AIN (anal intra-epithelial neoplasia).

2) Infection on the surface/base of the warts: Warts can sometimes get infected with secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

3) Bleeding: Warts have got very rich blood supply, and tend to bleed heavily after being cut off accidentally (shaving, avulsion by trauma) or attempts to cut them off in desperation.

4) Difficulty in maintaining hygiene: Larger warts can have cauliflower like surface, and make it very difficult to maintain hygiene, especially those near the anal area.

5) Buschke Lowenstein Tumors: Sometimes genital warts can be large enough to affect day to day activities. Buschke Lowenstein Tumors are very large warts which are treated surgically.

6) Affect vaginal delivery in pregnant women: Sometimes genital warts can be large enough to interfere with a vaginal delivery. Fortunately, such warts are very rare in the UK.

7) Blood in urine dipstick: Meatal warts especially in men (i.e. genital warts at the opening of the water pipe/urethra) can lead to blood in a urine dipstick. If meatal warts as the underlying cause is not identified, this may result in unnecessary anxiety about cancer and lead to unnecessary urological investigations.

8) Laryngeal Papillomatosis in children: Warts in the larynx can occur in children before 5 years of age and can produce hoarseness of voice, noisy breathing and difficulty in breathing in more severe cases. This is normally caused by Low Risk HPV Types 6 and 11. Research has shown that HPV DNA is detected in nasopharyngeal secretions of almost 1 in 2 of  newborns after a vaginal delivery if their mothers had HPV in their cervical cells. However, laryngeal papillomas are relatively rare.

9) Laryngeal Papillomatosis in adults: The papilloma in the Larynx (or voice box), can lead to hoarseness of voice. They are caused by low risk HPV types 6 and 11. They are rare in the UK. Laryngeal papillomas behave in a lot more benign manner compared to children.

10) Concurrent skin conditions: Sometimes warts are present on the skin surface with another skin condition like lichen sclerosus. Treatment of this skin condition requires application of very strong steroid cream, which nourishes warts, and makes them worse. On the other hand, local creams used to treat warts can irritate the skin and make lichen sclerosus much worse. Clinical judgement is helpful in such instances in deciding how to manage such co-existing skin conditions.

Causes

What causes Genital warts?

Can I get Genital warts even if I wear a condom?

Can you tell who gave me Genital warts?

What factors can increase the likelihood of getting warts?

What are the factors that can lead to more severe warts?

How can I prevent getting Genital warts?

What causes Genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (or HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV and types 6 & 11 are accountable for more than 90% of genital warts. The transmission of HPV, and the development of genital warts, occurs as a result of the following:

• Having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone with HPV infection (with or without warts)
• Very close contact with partners’ genitals
• (Rare) During childbirth from infected mother

You can’t get genital warts from kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, from swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery.

It has been observed that effective HPV vaccination to teenage school girls in the UK has resulted in the dramatic reduction in the prevalence of genital warts. As a result, it is expected that a greater number of new diagnoses of genital warts would be due to HPV types other than 6 & 11.

Can I get Genital warts even if I wear a condom?

Often people who have always been meticulous in protecting themselves with condoms are distraught when they learn that they have genital warts. This is because the virus is shed from a much wider genital area than a condom can cover.

Can you tell who gave me Genital warts?

Often people seek an explanation as to when they first got exposed to the virus and from which partner. It is very difficult to pin-point the exact moment when you come in contact with HPV because the virus has a habit of laying dormant without causing any symptoms but being contagious at the same time.

Furthermore, most people will have developed genital warts after being with someone who did not have them. This can make it even harder to determine who gave you the infection.

What factors can increase the likelihood of getting warts?

• You come into contact with someone with genital warts present
• You have sex with someone of the same gender
• Increased number of sexual partners
• Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
• Weaker immune system

In rare cases, one might:

• Develop warts in the mouth, throat or on the lips from oral sex
• Pass warts on the hands to the genitalia
• If you’re pregnant and have genital warts at the time, it’s possible to pass the virus to the baby at birth in rare cases

What are the factors that can lead to more severe warts?

1) Immunosuppressive drugs: Drugs to suppress the immune system are used in patients with kidney transplant and conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Such drugs make immune responses to fight the HPV infection, and can result in patients developing extensive warts, or warts resistant to commonly used drugs.

2) Steroids: Steroids have a well-established effect of suppressing the immune system, especially when taken orally, but can also produce a similar effect when used topically on the genital skin, with risk of activating the otherwise latent HPV infection, producing warts. Sometimes patients with genital eczema and psoriasis report developing warts, or substantial worsening of their warts, after starting to use steroids.

3) Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes mellitus, is associated with more severe cases of genital warts, poor response to treatment and higher chances of recurrence.

4) Smoking: More severe cases of genital warts have been noted amongst heavy smokers and it is a standard practice to advise patients to stop or reduce smoking to reduce the chances of warts coming back after treatment.

How can I prevent getting Genital warts?

• A full course of HPV vaccination
• Having protected vaginal, oral and anal sex with new partner(s)
• Using a condom, femidom and/or dental dam with a new partner
• Recommend your partner to get treated for genital warts

Diagnosis

How are Genital warts diagnosed?

What factors can help a correct diagnosis?

Can you tell who gave me Genital warts?

Can another infection be mistaken as Genital warts?

Is there any other way to diagnose Genital warts?

What does it mean for me and my partner?

Do I have to tell my partner I have Genital warts?

It is extremely important to get the diagnosis of Genital warts right. The wrong diagnosis can result in unnecessary treatment, undue anxiety and avoidable stress in life and relationships.

As specialists in the field of sexual health, we often see cases where a lesion in the genital area has been wrongly diagnosed as genital warts, with a devastating impact on the patient’s life.

How are Genital warts diagnosed?

Many patients present themselves having self-diagnosed with genital warts. Often they’re right, but not always. If the lesions are small and unusual in appearance, it may be difficult to differentiate them from other skin conditions that mimic genital warts.

Genital warts are commonly diagnosed by a physical examination from an experienced professional. Occasionally, the use of a magnifying glass, dermatoscope or colposcope helps in this diagnosis.

In cases where it is difficult to diagnose genital warts, we use the aid of two diagnostic tools:

• Cryotherapy: A cold spray of liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the lesion, and brings up its finer details.
• Dilute acid: We apply the acidic solution directly onto the lesions, and it makes them more prominent and easier to see. This in turn makes them easier to diagnose.

Whilst there are HPV tests available, they are designed to look for the HPV DNA itself (i.e. the virus that causes genital warts) rather than the genital warts themselves.

Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen from the suspected lesion is rarely needed to confirm the diagnosis. Such an examination also serves to rule out or detect underlying precancerous or cancerous changes in the suspected wart. Namely, examination of tissue from lesions around the anus, vulva and areas over the penile foreskin may result in the detection of precancerous abnormalities in the lesions, described as AIN (Anal Intra-epithelial Neoplasia), VIN (Vulval Intra-epithelial Neoplasia) and PeIN (Penile Intra-epithelial Neoplasia). 

What factors can help a correct diagnosis?

Based on our experience of managing warts of all kinds, shapes, size, duration etc, we have come up with the following rules to guide a diagnosis.

Listening to the patient provides vital clues that can guide the diagnosis in a certain way and also help answer your questions. Patients can sometimes identify when the lesions first appeared, while there are others whose attention was first drawn to these lumps following a specific life event (e.g. change in partner).

An unhurried & well illuminated examination gives our eyes time to adjust and time to ensure no detail is missed. A proper clinical examination may reveal lesions which were not initially noticed by the patients.

High quality pictures taken by the patient of their lesions over a length of time can provide further information from which to make a diagnosis and answer questions.

A serial examination allows us to reassess the skin lesions and monitor for any changes as there are cases where one can be unsure whether the lesions are warts or not. If the lesions have worsened or improved, it makes the diagnosis easier for the doctor. If they remain unchanged, then this is a case for further observation in a few months time, or we can take a piece of tissue and send it for biopsy.

Can you tell who gave me Genital warts?

Often people seek an explanation as to when they first got exposed to the virus and from which partner. It is very difficult to pin-point the exact moment when you come in contact with HPV because the virus has a habit of laying dormant without causing any symptoms but being contagious at the same time.

Furthermore, most people will have developed genital warts after being with someone who did not have them. This can make it even harder to determine who gave you the infection.

Can another infection be mistaken as Genital warts?

In trying to diagnose genital warts, there are other kinds of lesions we have to make sure it is not. These may include:

• Molluscum Contagiosum
• Skin tags
• Seborrhoeic Keratosis
• Lichen Sclerosus
• Chronic herpetic lesions in those with underlying immunosuppression
• Blocked sebaceous glands 
• Localised cysts
• Scarring

Sometimes patients may have lesions due to more than one cause. This can result in a multiple diagnosis, examples including:

• Skin tags and Genital warts
• Molluscum contagiosum and genital warts
• Lichen sclerosus and genital warts

Is there any other way to diagnose Genital warts?

If there is a diagnostic uncertainty, concern about precancerous or cancerous changes in the skin then a lab biopsy may be recommended. This is where a skin lesion is taken under local anaesthetic and sent to a research lab for analysis. Results can take between 14-21 days.

This is an invasive procedure, apart from being expensive, and is not routinely recommended.

What does it mean for me and my partner?

Most people who have been exposed to HPV do not get any warts. There is a good chance that you and your partner have already shared the virus with each other and like most people who carry the virus you may not have any symptoms.

In the event that your partner does get warts in the future, it does not mean that they have necessarily contracted this virus from you. It is important to remember that you may have been exposed to the virus even before starting your relationship and have never developed warts before.

Do I have to tell my partner I have Genital warts?

Your partner does not need to get tested for HPV or receive any treatment if they have no signs or symptoms of genital warts. This is where HPV and genital warts are managed very differently from other classical STIs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis.

Therefore, it’s not necessary for you to tell your partner that you have been diagnosed with genital warts. However, your relationship may be such that you may feel it is necessary to share your diagnosis with your partner to help with your inner well-being.

Concluding Remarks

Many patients are worried about how their diagnosis affects their future, in terms of relationships and children. We find that such embarrassment and worries often forms as a result of the stigma surrounding diagnosis like genital warts. In our experience, this stigma creates a barrier for patients when seeking treatment, as we often meet patients who have waited years to seek medical advice out of fear of being judged.

It is our hope that by keeping people informed about their diagnosis, they will feel no hesitation when seeking help.

Recurrences

Why do Genital warts recur?

How likely is it that warts will recur after treatment?

Is there any way to prevent genital warts from recurring?

It is fairly common for genital warts to recur in patients despite treatment, and at Clarewell Clinics, we consider this as an important factor for patients to understand before opting for any treatment. 

Why do Genital warts recur?

Genital warts can recur after treatment because the treatment only eradicates the symptoms of HPV, but not the HPV infection itself.

There is no cure for the HPV infection, you will still have the infection in your body despite any treatment you may have had for genital warts. The main way of clearing the infection is via a natural process, although it can be a chronic and long lasting infection for others. 

How likely is it that warts will recur after treatment?

Although warts are very common and treated widely,  accurate statistics do not exist to make precise predictions. Therefore, it’s difficult to predict the likelihood of warts recurring after the treatment in an individual patient.

However, the presence of underlying health conditions including diabetes, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the use of steroids can increase the likelihood of warts coming back after treatment.

The recurrence rate of warts for various treatments, based on available evidence are as follows:

In practice, recurrence rates are lower than quoted above. The warts can come back after successful treatment, months or even years later. More often than not, recurrence of warts is likely to be due to activation of existing HPV type, rather than getting exposed to a new HPV type.

Warts may respond well to a treatment and may appear to have gone away, whilst in truth they may be still there but barely visible to be easily noticed. Such warty lesions may regrow again with passage of time.

It can be very disheartening when one notices the return of genital warts. It is sometimes the case that patients think the warts have gone away, and have come back, but in reality the warts had not gone away. They had just become much smaller after treatment, and have regrown since.

Is there any way to prevent genital warts from recurring?

There is no validated way to prevent genital warts from recurring. General advice to reduce the chances of warts coming back include:

• Stopping smoking
• Avoid shaving areas affected by genital warts
• Tighter control of diabetes (in those with diabetes)
• Treatment of HIV /AIDS (in those with underlying infection)

In rare cases, agents to boost immune system to fight HPV more effectively can be used. Immunovir (Inosine Pranobex) is one such medication. Although there are some case reports of warts responding to HPV vaccine, there is no evidence to suggest that administration of the vaccine will reduce the recurrence of genital warts. However it’s possible that the vaccine will still protect the individual from HPV types to which they have not yet been exposed. 

Page reviewed by Dr. Manoj Malu (Clinical Director)

Last reviewed date: 8 July 2020
Next review due: 8 July 2023

Whilst this content is written and reviewed by sexual health specialists, it is for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.

• International Journal of STD & AIDS: An international survey of patients with genital warts: perceptions regarding treatment and impact on lifestyle, 1998
• The Journal of Infectious Diseases: Burden of Genital Warts: A Study of Nearly 70,000 Women from the General Female Population in the 4 Nordic Countries
• Vaccine: Global burden of human papillomavirus and related diseases
• Sex Transm Infect: Genital warts and cost of care in England
• British Medical Journals: European course on HPV associated pathology: guidelines for primary care physicians for the diagnosis and management of anogenital warts
• The British journal of venereal diseases: Natural history of genital warts.
• International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics: Symptoms and signs in single and mixed genital infections
• International Journal of STD & AIDS: Human papillomavirus assay in genital warts – correlation with symptoms
• Mayo Clinic: Genital warts – Symptoms and causes
• Avert: Genital warts symptoms & treatment
• Rare and Interesting Cases in Pulmonary Medicine: Laryngeal Papillomatosis – an overview
• Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis or Laryngeal Papillomatosis
• BASHH Guidelines: UK National Guidelines on the Management of Anogenital Warts 2015
• The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: Genital Warts: A Comprehensive Review 
• The Journal of Infectious Diseases: A Very Common Intimate Concern: Will My Genital Warts Ever Stop Recurring?

If you think you may have Genital Warts

We highly recommend seeing a sexual health clinician to receive an accurate diagnosis and a thorough discussion about what it means for you (and your partner), any tests you may need and the right treatment option for you.

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What is genital warts in women and men – how to treat?

Genital warts is a pathological skin lesion with growths that look like microscopic cauliflowers. The disease most often affects the skin in the genital area, perineum and anus. Single or multiple neoplasms can be quite large and cause a lot of inconvenience to a person.

Most patients with genital warts experience psychological discomfort associated with a decrease in body aesthetics. But there are also people for whom the removal of genital warts is a matter of maintaining health. After all, large warts are often injured by underwear, caught when walking, during intimacy. They begin to bleed, ulcerate, which is fraught with secondary infection. Condylomatosis is also a contagious disease transmitted during close contact. Therefore, the question “Do I need to remove genital warts?” dermatologists unanimously give a positive answer.

If you are interested in the treatment of anogenital formations in Odessa, we invite you to sign up for a doctor’s consultation at the Lazersvit Mole Diagnostic Center.

As a specialized clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of viral genital warts with modern methods. Our doctors will help you get rid of the manifestations of the disease, as well as offer effective methods of prevention. We guarantee confidentiality, professionalism and a high level of service.

Genital warts: causes

The cause of intimate warts is the human papillomavirus. These are types of low oncological risk, but the risk of developing skin cancer in a small percentage of cases is present.

Infection occurs through intimate contact, that is, HPV is transmitted through sexual contact or through close bodily contact without direct sexual intercourse. There have also been cases when the disease was transmitted through personal hygiene items – a towel, a washcloth.

It is noteworthy that infection does not always occur with a single contact. But the longer the time of intimacy, the higher the chance of infection. A prerequisite for the penetration of the virus into the body are skin microtrauma. It is through defects in the skin and mucous membranes that “transmission” occurs.

It is important that the use of a condom during intercourse prevents infection with sexually transmitted diseases. But against HPV, latex protection is powerless, since the rubber product does not cover all the contact areas of intimate areas during intercourse.

Clinical course

Once in the body, HPV can remain inactive for a long time. In this case, a person is a carrier, but he himself does not show symptoms of the disease.

The activity of the virus is directly related to the state of human immunity. With good internal protection, the incubation period can take several years. As soon as a person gets sick, finds himself in a state of prolonged emotional discomfort or prolonged physical exertion, the virus is activated and manifests itself in chaotic cell division. So in intimate areas, genital warts appear.

Skin pathology can appear not only directly at the site of infection. The disease involves nearby areas – the vulva in women, the head of the penis and groin in men, the perineum, anus.

The clinical picture of the disease is directly related to the immune system of a particular person. The weaker the body’s defenses, the more free HPV feels. In advanced cases, the growths cover the entire anal area, for example, they can be involved in pathological processes in women not only the large and small labia, but also the vagina. In men, the disease moves from the perianal region to the rectum.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to obtain permanent immunity from the disease or cure HPV forever. And although modern medicine offers HPV vaccines today, such a measure is not a 100% guarantee of protection against infection.

Genital warts in women: symptoms

As already mentioned, skin areas affected by genital warts look extremely unattractive. Growths appear on the skin of the genital organs. This causes emotional discomfort. With active growth, intimate warts can make it difficult to carry out hygiene procedures, cause itching, and bleed. Some tumors grow so large that they cause difficulty urinating. That is why it is mandatory to remove genital warts when they are detected.

It is very important that during pregnancy the virus can pass from mother to child. Such cases are infrequent, but the risks are present. Therefore, pregnant women are strongly advised to carefully monitor the condition of the skin, so that at the first signs of pathology, contact a specialist.

Genital warts in men: symptoms

Most often, in men, HPV lesions become several parts of the body at once. Colonies of warts are diagnosed on the penis, scrotum, anus. As a rule, these are not single growths, but numerous formations that are located very close to each other. The growths on the rectum can cause problems with bowel movements.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

Genital warts of the genitals, perineum and anus are easily diagnosed by a specialist during a visual examination. If the doctor has noticed signs of degeneration of formations or the condition of the skin is in doubt, he can use a dermatoscope or resort to laboratory tests of skin samples to clarify the diagnosis.

To determine the extent of damage to internal zones, specialists use instrumental or hardware techniques. Although the virus that rewards a carrier with genital warts rarely has oncogenic potential, women are offered cytology of tissue samples from the cervix. This allows you to identify the type of HPV.

How to treat genital warts?

Many people, embarrassed by the location of warts, do not go to a specialized institution, but try to get rid of the problem with folk remedies at home. They get “recipes” for how to remove genital warts from dubious sources.

The use of aggressive ointments and liquid products containing celandine juice is highly likely not to give the desired result. But a skin burn to a person is guaranteed. And, importantly, you can only deal with external warts on your own. If the location of genital warts is internal, then it is impossible to get rid of them without the use of special equipment, without risking health and even life.

In the clinic, the treatment of genital warts in men and women involves the removal of growths with a laser, the appointment of tablets to the patient that increase immunity and reduce the activity of the virus. And although there is no cure for HPV, an integrated approach to the fight against the disease helps to achieve stable long-term remission.

Warts are removed on an outpatient basis. Long-term rehabilitation after microsurgery is not required. It is enough to undergo antiviral and immunostimulating treatment at home to suppress the activity of the virus.

Treatment of genital warts in “Lazersvit”

In the specialized clinic “Lazersvit” treatment of genital warts in women and men takes place in comfortable conditions in accordance with international protocols. In his work, the dermatologist uses modern diagnostic and surgical equipment. Extensive experience of specialists allows to achieve excellent results. We offer to compare before and after photos from our gallery to make sure of this.

For more information and to make an appointment with a doctor, call. We will be happy to answer your questions.

How to treat genital warts in men

Neoplasms in intimate places grow in tens of millions of people around the world. According to doctors, up to 13% of the world’s population is infected.

Genital warts affect both men and women. They appear due to the human papillomavirus or HPV, which consists of more than 130 types.

Not all of them attack the genitals. Approximately 35 types of HPV give rise to intimate warts. The most active are the 6th and 11th types. These viruses cause up to 90% of all neoplasms on the genitals.

HPV penetrates the skin through sexual contact, although this is not a prerequisite – sometimes the carrier transmits the virus during touching. Especially easily it slips into the body where the skin is damaged. Then warts grow around the wound. But even whole skin does not greatly prevent the virus from getting into the body and gaining a foothold in it.

HPV does not attack immediately. It hibernates from several months to two years. Then the virus wakes up and transforms skin cells. Its upper layer in this area grows and turns into genital warts or other neoplasms. In about four months.

Genital warts colonize the genitals, usually in people aged 20 to 39 years. Teenagers are less likely to.

The risk of HPV infection is affected by:

• Number of sexual partners
• Smoking
• Weakened immunity
• Cases of chlamydia or gonorrhea

Genital warts in men does not grow in everyone, even with several risk factors. You can thank your body for this.

Yes, many people are infected with the human papillomavirus, but a strong immune system stops any outrages from HPV. In healthy people, growths rarely appear.

Therefore, the first line of defense against viral neoplasms is not expensive medicines or modern surgeries, but strong immunity.

But if condylomas nevertheless settled on the genitals, it is important to quickly identify them.

Portraits of viral invaders. What genital warts look like in men

In most patients, genital warts appear immediately in large numbers. Single outgrowths are rare.

Such neoplasms pop up on the skin of men in several places:

• Penis
• Scrotum
• Anus
• Oral cavity

Some warts are invisible. They are so small that even by touch they are difficult to detect.

What do these warts look like?

Raised flesh-colored neoplasms up to five millimeters in diameter. Some are flat and wide. Others are similar in shape to cauliflower.

The number of genital warts depends on the patient’s immune status. In a weakened body, the virus actively develops. Therefore, next to the first growth, others often appear, and together they form a large tumor.

In many cases, doctors diagnose genital warts in men on the head of the penis and other intimate places already during the examination. Women are a little more difficult. A colposcopy may be needed to check for growths in the vagina.

Getting a diagnosis is just the beginning. Identifying warts is much easier than getting rid of them.

Looking for a cure. How to cure genital warts in men

Unfortunately, no way. Yes, this is not a mistake – genital neoplasms really cannot be cured, only removed.

What’s the difference?

We have already said that genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, which changes skin cells and causes them to grow rapidly. As a result, growths are formed. Just a manifestation of HPV inside the superficial tissues of the body.

So doctors don’t fight the cause of the problem, but the symptoms.

And when people talk about the treatment of genital warts in men, they usually mean the removal of neoplasms.

There are no special agents against the virus. You will have to rely on your body and hope that it will suppress HPV activity. However, he can help a little.

In order to quickly cure genital warts in men, we recommend that you deal with risk factors for the disease. To do this:

• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Stop smoking
• Do not have sex with people who have many lovers

Any measures to strengthen the immune system will also be useful. The stronger the body, the lower the risk of new genital warts.

Warts will not stay on a healthy body. And especially persistent neoplasms can be eliminated using several modern methods.

Methods for the destruction of growths. How to get rid of genital warts in men

Not all patients seek urgent removal of genital warts – quite often, neoplasms do not cause discomfort and are almost invisible. Just a few tiny growths. They don’t even feel.

Should they be removed?

Decide for yourself – although these genital warts do not interfere, they are still contagious and increase the chances of passing the virus to your partner. You can wait until genital warts disappear on their own. But most of these viral neoplasms disappear in only two years, and not all patients want to endure that long.

So let’s get back to the therapy options.

In many cases, doctors first prescribe topical agents – creams and ointments with chemicals that slowly destroy warts.

This treatment does not require surgery. However, there are also disadvantages – these tools are not very effective and usually begin to work only with repeated use. So therapy will continue for a long time. In addition, she has a high risk of recurrence of growths.

Safer operations. They allow you to get rid of genital warts in men in almost all cases. Unfortunately, the guarantee is not 100%.

Basic procedures:

• Cryotherapy

The doctor freezes the growth with liquid nitrogen. The neoplasm gradually dies off and falls off, and new healthy skin grows under it. Sometimes multiple sessions are needed.

• Surgical excision

The doctor cuts off genital warts with a scalpel or other instruments. It usually also removes a thin layer of skin around the growths. For complete removal. After the operation, wounds remain, and then scars may appear.

• Electrocoagulation

The doctor burns the neoplasm with a high-frequency electric current. There is a small wound left. It heals in a few weeks.

• Laser therapy

The doctor removes warts with a beam of light. This method is well suited for growths that are difficult to eliminate with other methods. The wound from the operation is covered with a crust and heals completely in three weeks.

A word of advice – don’t sign up for surgery right away if you find genital warts.

Better go check it out. It is quite possible that genital warts will disappear without expensive treatment.

However, it is also not worth postponing therapy for a long time – especially when various complications appear that make life with growths difficult. In such cases, you need the help of a doctor.

Complications from genital warts. What happens if warts are not treated?

Neoplasms on the genitals are extremely rarely dangerous to health and life. Usually they just settle on the skin and densely occupy it. Unpleasant, but not fatal.

Only sometimes the growths bleed or hurt. With such problems, patients often immediately turn to the doctor, but asymptomatic warts are ignored.

But what happens if you don’t treat genital warts on the head of the penis or elsewhere?

Sometimes they turn into cancer.

However, do not rush to panic – genital neoplasms in men almost never regenerate. Changes are noticeable by signs:

• Ulcers
• Color change
• Bleeding

If you see these symptoms, immediately go to the doctor for an examination.

In other respects, genital warts are almost harmless, except for their contagiousness. Remember this. And go to the doctor, at least for an examination.

Specialists in viral neoplasms. Which doctor treats warts in men?

To check for suspicious growths, you need to contact a dermatologist. This doctor specializes in skin diseases and growths. Including the genitals.

There is nothing wrong with a doctor’s examination, so do not put off the diagnosis until a later date. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you will understand what to do with intimate warts.

Sometimes it is good to wait.

In other cases, doctors recommend urgent surgery.

Every patient has a different situation.

Now you know which doctor treats genital warts in men and you will be able to be examined in a timely manner before dangerous complications appear. It remains to find a suitable medical center.

Choice of clinic. Where to remove warts in men

How you want to get rid of these annoying genital warts as soon as possible, which prevent you from enjoying the joys of sex.

Surely many men with this problem think so.

And some of them get rid of growths in dubious clinics where operations are performed by inexperienced specialists.

Yes, the cost of removing genital warts in men is low here. But there are also disadvantages. Neoplasms after these procedures often return. And sometimes, instead of one removed genital wart, a whole landing of growths is planted on the skin.

Therefore, you need to be treated by trusted dermatologists.

For laser removal of genital warts in men, we recommend visiting the Lasersvit clinic.

Waiting for you here:

• Diagnosis with Delta 20 T dermatoscope
• Examination and treatment by doctors of the first and highest category
• Laser treatment for neoplasms, no scars or pain

We have dermatologists with 10 to 27 years of experience. It will not be difficult for them to identify growths on your skin, and in difficult cases they will use a dermatoscope, which magnifies the image of tumors 16 times.