Understanding Anogenital Warts:

What You Need to Know

Anogenital warts, also called genital warts, are small lumps that appear in the genital or anal area. They are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically types 6 and 11. These are different from the types of HPV that cause warts on the hands or feet. Here’s a guide to understanding anogenital warts, their treatment, and prevention.

What Are Anogenital Warts?

Anogenital warts are growths that can appear on the vulva, penis, or around the anus. They can also develop inside the vagina, cervix, or urethra. These warts are usually painless and are caused by a sexually transmitted infection with HPV. Unlike common warts, anogenital warts rarely spread to other parts of the body.

How Common Are They?

Anogenital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Britain, about 1 in 25 people has had them at some point. In 2023, over 25,000 people visited sexual health clinics in England for anogenital warts for the first time.

How Do You Get Anogenital Warts?

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Intimate genital contact without penetration can also transmit the virus. Sharing sex toys is another potential way to spread HPV. It’s important to note:

  • Warts cannot be spread through hugging, kissing, sharing towels, or swimming pools.

  • In rare cases, HPV can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Appearance: Small, skin-colored or pinkish lumps that may feel rough. They can appear individually or in clusters.

  • Location: Warts are typically found on the genital area, around the anus, or just inside the vagina or anus.

  • Other Symptoms: Warts are usually not painful or itchy, though some people may find them irritating.

The time between contracting HPV and developing warts can vary from a few months to over a year. Many people with HPV do not develop visible warts, as the body often clears the infection naturally.

How Are Anogenital Warts Diagnosed?

Doctors or nurses can usually diagnose anogenital warts by examining them. In rare cases, a small biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis. If you have a cervix, your smear tests will check for high-risk types of HPV linked to cervical cancer. These are different from the types that cause warts.

Treatment Options

Most people prefer to treat warts to remove them quickly, though some warts may go away on their own. Treatment options include:

  • Topical Creams: Creams like podophyllotoxin can be applied at home. These are often the first choice for treatment.

  • Cryotherapy: Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen in a clinic.

  • Surgical Options: Larger warts may be removed using heat, laser, or surgery.

Your healthcare provider will recommend the best treatment option for you. While treatments are effective, warts can sometimes return, especially if your immune system is weakened or if you smoke.

Click here for more information about getting treatments.

Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent anogenital warts is to reduce exposure to HPV:

  • HPV Vaccination: The Gardasil® vaccine is highly effective at preventing HPV types 6 and 11. In the UK, young people are eligible for the vaccine up to their 25th birthday, and some adults up to 46 years old can also receive it.

  • Condom Use: While condoms reduce the risk, they don’t offer complete protection as they don’t cover all areas of skin.

  • Avoid Sharing Sex Toys: If you share, clean them thoroughly between uses and use a condom over the toy.

For more information on condoms, click here!

Talking to Your Partner

If you have anogenital warts, it’s a good idea to inform your partner. They don’t need treatment unless they also have warts. Waiting until warts have cleared before resuming sexual activity can reduce the risk of passing them on. Avoid sex if you’ve recently applied a treatment cream.

What Happens If Warts Are Left Untreated?

Without treatment, warts may:

  • Stay the same size.

  • Increase in size or number.

  • Disappear on their own.

Warts can grow during pregnancy but may shrink or vanish after delivery. It’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant.

Watch our video on warts here:

Final Thoughts

Anogenital warts are common and manageable with treatment. If you’re concerned about warts or have questions about prevention, visit a sexual health clinic. HPV vaccination and good sexual health practices can greatly reduce your risk.