What it is
Genital warts are small growths that can appear on or near the genital and anal areas. They are caused by certain types of HPV, a very widely shared virus. Some people notice them right away, while others never notice anything at all.
HPV is a large family of viruses, and different types affect the body in different ways. The types that cause genital warts are not the same as the ones on hands or feet, which is why growths in the genital area should not be treated with over-the-counter wart products.
Because many skin changes can look alike, you cannot reliably tell what a growth is by looking at it yourself. Any growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist or other licensed clinician for skin cancer. Please do not self-treat it.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Clinicians have traditionally started with an in-person exam to confirm what a growth is. Sometimes a small sample is taken to be looked at more closely. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for a particular person.
Wart removal approaches described in clinical settings have included prescription topical medicines applied at home or in the office, freezing, minor procedures to remove the growths, and other in-office methods. Which options are suitable depends on location, number of growths, health history and personal preference.
Results vary, and warts can return even after they are removed, because the virus may remain in the body. No approach is a cure for warts or HPV. Specific prescription products have their own regulatory status, so it is worth asking your provider about the current FDA status of anything they recommend.
How the right provider may help
A visit is usually a private, matter-of-fact conversation. A clinician such as a primary care provider, sexual-health provider or dermatologist will ask about your concerns and health history, then perform a brief exam. They see these concerns often and are there to help, not to judge.
The right provider may help by confirming what the growth is, explaining the options that could fit your situation, and discussing what to expect afterward. They may also talk with you about HPV vaccination, which exists, and whether it is something to consider.
Helpful questions to ask include: What is this growth, and how do you know? What options might suit me, and what are the trade-offs? Could it come back? Should my partner or partners talk with a provider too? Is there anything I should avoid doing at home? If you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system, be sure to mention it.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress influence each other. Worry, embarrassment or fear of being judged can weigh heavily alongside a physical concern, and stress can affect sleep, mood and how well we feel overall. Looking after the whole person, not just the skin, is a reasonable way to approach this.
If feelings of shame or anxiety linger, some people find body-based support through Somatic Experiences helpful for easing tension. Others prefer to talk things through with a licensed counselor through Therapists.plus. Both are optional supports that sit alongside, not in place of, care from a medical provider.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- Warts.ai is educational only and does not give medical advice, diagnose conditions or tell you which treatment you need; see a licensed clinician for an exam.
- Do not cut, burn or dig out a growth at home, and do not use over-the-counter wart products on genital or facial warts.
- A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer. The ABCDEs of melanoma are only a general guide, not a self-check tool.
- For emergencies call 911; if you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988. Partners are encouraged to talk with a provider too, without blame or shame.
Guides in this topic
Provider types
Frequently asked questions
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are skin growths in the genital or anal area caused by certain types of HPV. They are common and nothing to be ashamed of. A licensed clinician can confirm what a growth is, since many skin changes look alike.
What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV, which are usually passed through close skin-to-skin, often intimate, contact. The virus can be present without any visible signs, so it is often impossible to know when or from whom it was acquired. A provider can answer your questions privately.
Are genital warts contagious?
Yes, the HPV types that cause genital warts can be passed to others through close skin-to-skin contact. Because the virus can be present without visible warts, a clinician can explain what this means for you and any partners. Talking openly with a provider can help you decide next steps.
Is HPV the same as warts?
No. HPV is a family of viruses, and warts are one way some HPV types may show up on the skin. Many people with HPV never develop warts, and different types affect different areas of the body. A clinician can explain how this applies to you.
Does the HPV vaccine help with warts?
An HPV vaccine exists, and it is designed to help protect against certain HPV types, including some linked to genital warts. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on factors such as age and health history. Ask a licensed clinician if vaccination is right for you.
What are the options for genital wart removal?
Options described in clinical settings include prescription topicals and in-office procedures, but only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate after an exam. Results vary and warts can return. Over-the-counter wart products should not be used on genital warts, so see a provider instead.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.