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Genital warts

Overview

Open all pages about Genital warts

Genital warts can be single, small rough lumps or sometimes they can be in groups. They can feel soft or firm, and may be painful, itchy or bleed.

A doctor or nurse will usually be able to diagnose genital warts by looking at them. They may also ask you about your symptoms and sexual partners.

Treatments for genital warts include creams, liquids and ointments, freezing and surgery. You can get treatment from a sexual health clinic.

If you have genital warts, avoid having sex until they've gone and follow the instructions about how to apply creams, liquids and ointments.

You can get genital warts from skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex and by sharing sex toys.

Using a condom can prevent genital warts. The HPV vaccine also gives protection and is offered to 12 to 13 year-old girls and boys in England.

Genital warts are small, rough lumps that can appear around the vagina, penis or anus. They're a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Page last reviewed: 10/07/2023
Next review due: 10/07/2026