What happens if genital warts is not treated?

Genital warts are growths linked with certain types of HPV. They may stay the same, become more noticeable, cluster, or clear over time; the course varies between people. Friction can cause irritation, tenderness, or bleeding. Warts can also affect confidence and intimacy, and visible lesions may be transmitted through close skin-to-skin sexual contact even when symptoms are limited.

A vulval lump or skin change is not automatically a genital wart. Cysts, irritation, and other conditions can look similar, so an examination is useful before choosing treatment.

Arrange an assessment with a sexual-health, gynaecology, or dermatology clinician. Avoid picking the lesions and do not use ordinary wart products on genital skin. Discuss barrier protection, partner communication, vaccination, and treatment choices such as imiquimod, freezing, or electrosurgery. These treatments remove visible warts but do not promise that HPV will immediately leave the body.

Seek medical review for a new genital or vulval lump, bleeding, ulceration, marked pain, rapid change, or discharge. Prompt assessment is especially helpful during pregnancy, with a weakened immune system, or when the diagnosis is uncertain. Urgent care is appropriate for severe pain, heavy bleeding, or difficulty passing urine.

Ask whether the lesions look like genital warts, whether testing or a biopsy is needed, and which treatment fits their number, size, and location. Ask how to reduce transmission, whether vaccination is suitable, and when to return if lesions recur.