Genital warts affect both men and women and can develop on the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, anus, or groin. In some cases, they may appear in clusters or as a single wart. Although genital warts are generally painless, they can cause discomfort, itching, or mild irritation in some individuals.

The condition is highly contagious and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, often during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse with an infected individual. While genital warts themselves are non-cancerous, the underlying HPV infection may, in some cases, be linked to a higher risk of cervical, anal, or throat cancer, depending on the strain.

It’s important to note that not everyone exposed to HPV will develop visible warts. In many cases, the virus remains dormant, and individuals may carry and transmit the virus without showing symptoms. Early detection and consultation with a medical professional can help manage the condition effectively and reduce the risk of transmission.

The virus’s ability to evade the immune system plays a significant role in its persistence. HPV can remain dormant for weeks, months, or even years before warts appear. During this time, the infected individual may unknowingly carry and transmit the virus. The warts themselves form as a response to the viral presence in the epithelial tissue, leading to the characteristic growths that define the condition. While the immune system may eventually suppress the virus in some cases, it does not completely eliminate it, and also carries the potential of recurrence.

• Flesh-coloured or grey growths — warts typically appear as soft, skin-coloured or grey bumps on the genital or anal areas.

• Clusters or singular growths — they may occur individually or in clusters that resemble a cauliflower-like appearance.

• Itching or discomfort — some individuals report mild itching, irritation, or discomfort around the affected area.

• Bleeding during intercourse — in some cases, warts may cause bleeding or pain during sexual activity.

• Flat or slightly raised lesions — on mucous membranes, such as inside the vagina or anus, warts may appear as flat or slightly raised patches.

While genital warts themselves are usually painless, their presence can sometimes cause emotional distress or physical inconvenience.

High-risk strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, generally do not cause visible warts but are associated with cancers such as cervical, anal, penile and throat cancers. This is why regular Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for detecting high-risk HPV strains to receive appropriate treatment and reduce your risk of cancer progression.

• Sexual activity with multiple partners — engaging in sexual relationships with multiple partners raises the chance of exposure to HPV.

• Unprotected sexual intercourse — not using barrier protection methods, such as condoms, increases the risk of HPV transmission.

• Weakened immune system — individuals with compromised immunity, such as those with HIV or on immunosuppressive medication, are more susceptible.

• Early onset of sexual activity — beginning sexual activity at a younger age increases the likelihood of HPV exposure over time.

• History of other STIs — having another sexually transmitted infection can heighten susceptibility to HPV and genital warts.

While these factors may increase the risk, it’s important to note that anyone who is sexually active can contract HPV. Early screening and vaccination are vital in reducing the risk of genital warts. 

• Physical examination — our doctors carefully examine the affected area to identify visible warts based on their appearance, size, and location.

• Application of acetic acid — in some cases, we may apply a mild acetic acid solution to the skin. This helps highlight flat or less visible warts, which makes it easier to detect them.

• Colposcopy — for women, a colposcope may be used to closely examine the cervix and vaginal walls, especially if internal warts are suspected.

• Biopsy — if the diagnosis is unclear or if warts appear unusual, a small sample of the tissue may be taken for further analysis to rule out other conditions.

At The Artisan Health Clinic, we prioritise your comfort and privacy throughout the diagnostic process, and ensure that you feel supported every step of the way. 

• Topical medications — we may prescribe medicated creams or solutions that are applied directly to the warts to help eliminate the growths over time.

• Cryotherapy — this method involves freezing the warts using liquid nitrogen, causing them to gradually fall off as the treated tissue heals.

• Electrocautery — for more stubborn warts, we use a controlled electrical current to burn and remove the affected tissue.

• Laser therapy — using precision laser technology, we target and remove warts with minimal damage to surrounding skin, which makes it ideal for sensitive areas.

• Surgical excision — for larger or more extensive warts, we carefully remove them through a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia.