Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

What is it and how do I get it?

Genital warts are caused by a virus called HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). There are lots of types of HPV. The type which causes genital warts are type 6 and 11. Many people have the virus in their skin and never get warts.

There are other types of HPV which can cause cancers (HPV type 16 and 18). This is different to the types which cause genital warts (type 6 and 11).

HPV is passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin genital contact (touching). You can’t catch HPV from hugging, kissing, swimming pools, toilets, sharing towels or sharing cups or cutlery.

What might I notice?

Most people who get HPV don’t get warts and the virus will go away by itself. This means that you might not know if you or your partner has the virus.

Genital warts are lumps/bumps or skin changes on the genitals. The warts can appear three weeks to a few months (or years) after catching HPV. Not all genital lumps are warts.

How do I get a test?

There is no routine test available for HPV. A nurse or doctor in clinic will have a look and tell you if you have genital warts.

You can use the Service Finder below to find a sexual health service near you.

Service Finder

How do I get treatment?

Warts may get better without any treatment, but most people want treatment. Treatment is usually a cream that you can use at home. In clinic, we sometimes use a freezing spray (cryotherapy). If you are pregnant, you cannot use the creams.

Warts may come back after they have been treated.

A vaccine is available that protects you from getting the main types of HPV (the HPV types that cause warts, cancers and other types). This is now given at school. In sexual health clinics in England, we can give this vaccine to men who have sex with men up to the age of 45 years old.