Genital warts treatments

Like genital herpes, genital warts are caused by a virus – Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - which stays in your system and can cause recurring outbreaks of symptoms.

The easiest treatment for managing genital warts is cream or liquid, applied directly to the affected skin to gradually reducethe warts. Normally you can apply this yourself, although sometimes it has to be applied by a healthcare professional.

At Online Doctor we can prescribe two types of topical treatment to people with genital warts: Aldara and Warticon. They work in slightly different ways and it may take up to four months for the warts to clear.

Other treatment options include surgery or freezing to remove the warts – this should always be done by a doctor or nurse.

Can genital warts be cured?

While you can treat genital warts with creams, cryotherapy and even surgery, this won’t get rid of HPV which is the source of the warts. There is no treatment for HPV – there is a vaccine you can take as a preventative measure – though 90% of HPV infections are cleared by your body within two years.

Can genital warts come back?

Genital warts have the chance to return as long as HPV is still active in your body. Reoccurrences have been reported happening months and even years later. Monitor your body after treatment and let your GP know if you see any changes.

Who can take genital warts treatment?

Genital warts treatment is suitable for patients who have genital warts on the surfaceof the genitals and around the anus.

Do not take genital warts treatment if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in either Warticon or Aldara
• Your warts are on broken, damaged or bleeding skin
• You have genital warts on the inside of the vagina, penis or rectum

Tell your GP if you are using any other medicines while using genital warts treatment. Breast feeding is not recommended during treatment.

Do I have genital warts?

You may have been exposed to genital warts if you have had sexual contact with anyone who already has genital warts or specific strains of HPV. If you feel any changes or bumps in your genital area please talk to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic.

Read our article on genital warts symptoms for more information.

What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts are small, rough bumps on the skin that appear around the genitals, perinium or anus. They can appear by themselves or in a cluster. Occasionally they can itch or even bleed.

How do you test for genital warts?

There isn’t really a ‘test’ for genital warts. A doctor or nurse at a sexual health clinic should be able to tell if you have genital warts by looking at them and the infected area and asking a few questions about your recent sexual history.

What causes genital warts?

Genital warts are passed on by skin-to-skin sexual contact. This can include oral sex as well as penetrative sex.

How long does it take for genital warts to appear?

Genital warts will appear within three weeks to eight monthsof your first exposure. You can be checked for genital warts any time after you have been exposed to the virus.