What should you know about human papillomavirus warts?

Genital warts can be flat, raised, smooth, or clustered, and they may be visible on the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, or around the anus. Some are too small to notice. They spread through close skin-to-skin sexual contact, including when there is no obvious wart. The HPV types that commonly cause warts are different from the types most associated with cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, although screening recommendations still matter.

Have a clinician confirm the diagnosis before using any product, because other skin conditions can resemble warts. Options may include a prescription applied to the skin, freezing, removal with a procedure, or observation when appropriate. Do not use ordinary wart removers on genital skin. Condoms and dental dams can reduce exposure but cannot cover every area. Discuss HPV vaccination and tell current or recent partners so they can seek advice.

Arrange a medical examination for a new genital growth, bleeding, pain, ulceration, rapid change, or a lesion that does not heal. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, inability to pass urine, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction after treatment. Follow up if warts return or treatment causes increasing redness, pus, or fever.

Ask whether the growth is a wart or another condition, whether testing or biopsy is needed, which treatment suits its location, how to protect healing skin, whether cervical screening is due, and how to discuss HPV with partners.