What are the treatment options for genital warts?

Genital warts are usually flesh-coloured or pink growths on genital or nearby skin and are associated with HPV. A clinician may diagnose them by examination, but lesions that are pigmented, firm, bleeding, ulcerated or atypical may need additional assessment. Removing a visible wart does not necessarily remove HPV from the skin, so new lesions can appear and follow-up may be useful.

For suitable external warts, prescribed [Imiquimod Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/imiquimod-therapy/) helps the local immune response and is applied according to a clinician’s instructions. [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/) freezes the wart, while [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/) uses controlled electrical energy to remove tissue. Choice depends on location, size, number of lesions, pregnancy status, skin sensitivity and previous treatment. Do not use ordinary pharmacy wart removers on genital skin, and avoid sexual contact while treated areas are sore or healing. Discuss [HPV Vaccination](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/hpv-vaccination/) as prevention; it does not remove an existing wart.

Arrange a sexual-health or dermatology assessment for new genital growths, especially if the diagnosis is uncertain. Seek prompt care for bleeding, ulceration, severe pain, spreading redness, pus, fever or difficulty passing urine. Pregnant people should ask a clinician before using wart medicines or choosing a procedure.

Ask whether the lesions are typical warts, which treatment fits their location, how to care for the skin while it heals, and whether testing for other sexually transmitted infections is appropriate. Ask about partner communication, condom use, vaccination and what to do if warts return.