Sexual health
Medicines for Genital warts
Small growths on or around the genitals caused by some types of HPV — harmless but sometimes bothersome, treatable, and preventable by the HPV vaccine.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Genital warts?
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) — different from the high-risk types that cause cancer. They appear as small, fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes on or around the genitals or anus, and are usually painless, though they can itch or occasionally bleed.
- How it is treated: Treatment aims to remove visible warts and ease symptoms, though the underlying virus is usually cleared by the immune system over time.
- Self-care: Having the HPV vaccine (offered to young people) is the best prevention.
- When to seek help: Visit a sexual health clinic or GP for growths or lumps on or around the genitals, both for diagnosis (to confirm they are warts) and to discuss treatment options.
What it is
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) — different from the high-risk types that cause cancer. They appear as small, fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes on or around the genitals or anus, and are usually painless, though they can itch or occasionally bleed. They are passed on through skin-to-skin genital contact, and someone can carry the virus without visible warts. They are harmless to general health but can be bothersome or cause worry. The HPV vaccine now offered to young people protects against the main types that cause genital warts (as well as those causing several cancers), and rates have fallen as a result.
How it is treated
Treatment aims to remove visible warts and ease symptoms, though the underlying virus is usually cleared by the immune system over time. Options, provided at sexual health clinics, include creams or liquids applied to the warts, and physical treatments such as freezing (cryotherapy), depending on the number, size and location. Warts may take several weeks of treatment to clear and can sometimes return, as treatment does not remove the virus itself. Not everyone chooses to treat them, as they may resolve on their own. Condoms reduce (but do not fully prevent) transmission, and the HPV vaccine is the best long-term prevention.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Genital warts
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Having the HPV vaccine (offered to young people) is the best prevention. Using condoms reduces spread, and not smoking may help the body clear HPV. Attending a sexual health clinic ensures correct diagnosis and treatment options.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Visit a sexual health clinic or GP for growths or lumps on or around the genitals, both for diagnosis (to confirm they are warts) and to discuss treatment options.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Genital warts: frequently asked questions
Are genital warts dangerous?
No — they are caused by low-risk HPV types and are harmless to general health, though they can be bothersome. They are different from the high-risk HPV types that cause cancers.
Can genital warts be prevented?
The HPV vaccine, offered to young people, protects against the main types that cause genital warts, and rates have fallen since it was introduced. Condoms also reduce the risk.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Genital warts
- BASHH — Anogenital warts guidance
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