What genital warts look like and what causes them

Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV); one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that nearly all sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives, with other sources suggesting that over 80% of all people will have been infected by age 45.

Despite how widespread HPV is, many cases show no symptoms. There are more than 100 types of HPV, but only two (HPV 6 and HPV 11) can cause genital warts.

Who is at risk?

Anybody who is sexually active is at risk of developing genital warts, but there are some factors that increase your risk of infection.

Genital warts risk factors

Sexual activity

Sexual activity is by far the most common way HPV is passed from person to person. Those who have regular sex are more likely to develop genital warts.

Multiple partners

The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of getting genital warts.

Use of protection

Condoms or dental dams make HPV less likely to pass on, but they do not provide complete protection since they do not cover the entire pubic area. Wear protection during sexual activity to lower the risk of transmission.

Weakened immune system

Weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive medications, or chronic illness make it harder to fight off HPV infections.

Age

Research shows young adults and teenagers are at higher risk due to increased sexual activity and developing immune responses. Most HPV infections occur in people under 25.

While condoms significantly reduce the risk of spreading genital warts, they won’t protect you completely. HPV can still be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by condoms.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Genital warts can look different from person to person, and can appear on various parts of the body. Generally, genital warts are small, skin-coloured bumps that are soft to the touch. Some appear as individual bumps, whereas others form clusters that resemble a cauliflower. Some are flat, where others are raised.

They can also vary in size, with some barely noticeable and others several millimetres across. Due to this, many people do not even realise they have them.

Here are some pictures of genital warts on different parts of the body for you to compare:

Genital warts on the penis

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Genital warts on the penis often appear as small, flesh-coloured or grey growths. They may be flat or raised, smooth or cauliflower-like in texture. They typically develop on the shaft, head, or under the foreskin, and can occur singly or in clusters.

Genital warts in the vagina

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Inside the vagina, genital warts can be harder to see. They may appear as soft, moist growths on the vaginal walls or around the opening. These warts can vary in size and texture, and can also form in clusters.

Genital warts in the anal area

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Warts around the anus may look like small, skin-coloured lumps or bumps, sometimes with a rough surface. They can occur whether or not the person has had anal sex. These warts may be found just outside the anus or, less commonly, inside the anal canal.

Left untreated, genital warts can grow larger and spread to different areas of the body. Early treatment ensures the infection is taken care of as soon as possible and reduces the risk of treatment failure.

The stages of genital warts usually follow this pattern:

Treating genital warts early can help stop them from spreading, reduce discomfort, and lower the risk of passing them to others. If left untreated, they can become stubborn and may eventually require surgical removal.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Genital warts most commonly appear on moist skin or folds in the genital areas, but they can also develop elsewhere. Below is a helpful table listing the places you may find genital warts.

Regardless of where your warts develop, they are transmitted through close contact with somebody else who is infected with the HPV virus.

Genital warts are commonly mistaken for other conditions due to shared symptoms or similar presentation, but some telltale signs can help set them apart.

Identifying your condition can help you get the right treatment. Here are some conditions commonly mistaken for genital warts.

Genital warts vs genital herpes (cold sores)

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It doesn’t always show symptoms, but can cause itchy red genital sores known as cold sores.

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Genital herpes can look similar to genital warts at first glance, but there are a few differences:

Genital warts vs skin tags

Skin tags are small, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin. They are generally harmless, usually forming in areas where skin rubs together like the neck, armpits, or in the groin where they can be mistaken for genital warts.

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Skin tags can be understandably mistaken for genital warts, but there are a few things that tell them apart:

Genital warts vs molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that can look like genital warts. They are small white or pinkish bumps with a dimple in the middle. They are usually harmless and disappear on their own, but, like genital warts, they are highly contagious.

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If found near the genitals, they can be easily mistaken for genital warts. Here’s how to tell them apart:

If you’re not sure what your condition is, see a doctor and they can identify it more accurately. This ensures that you get the treatment you need and prevents you from spreading infections.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Self-diagnosis of your skin condition often isn’t enough for quality care. Only a qualified doctor can accurately diagnose you and provide the right treatment because many conditions have similar symptoms. If you see any signs of genital warts, take care around the area and consider treatment.

If your condition is getting worse, coming back, or spreading, it might be time to see a doctor. At euroClinix, our EU-registered medical team can quickly diagnose your condition and give you a prescription the very same day. Simply fill out an online consultation form and let us do the rest.

Start your consultation for genital warts

The easiest and most common way to treat genital warts is by using prescription medications. Alternatively, genital warts can be removed through cryotherapy (freezing), laser treatment, heat therapy, or surgical excision, but this is usually reserved for extremely large warts and pregnant women.

There are several genital warts treatments available from euroClinix, each with its own benefits and strengths.

Choosing a trusted online healthcare provider like euroClinix ensures expert care without having to wait too long for diagnosis and treatment. Once your prescription has been approved, you can expect your treatment to arrive directly to your door in discreet packaging the very next day.

Start your consultation for genital warts