Genital warts - what do they look like, are they dangerous and how to treat them?

Content author: physician. Arthur Abbazov, urologist, andrologist · Editorial work: Editorial team of Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej · Medical review: lek. Arthur Abbazov · Date of creation: 07.08.2026 · Date of review: 07.08.2026 · Updated: 07.08.2026

The article is for educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. A lesion that is hard, ulcerated, bleeding, non-healing, rapidly growing, as well as lesions that make urination or defecation difficult and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin require urgent evaluation. The diagnosis of changes in the intimate area is not based on photos from the Internet or description.

The most important information at a glance

• Condyloma acuminata is caused by low-risk HPV types - those that do not lead to the development of cancer.
• The lesions take the form of soft, uneven, warty growths, sometimes cauliflower-like, single or numerous.
• They occur in both sexes - on the penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, perineum and around the anus.
• The infection is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even without full intercourse and without visible changes in the partner.
• Weeks or months usually pass between infection and the appearance of lesions, so determining the source is impossible.
• Condylomas are not evidence of infidelity - the virus can remain inactive for a long time.
• Treatment removes visible changes, but does not guarantee removal of the virus from the body. Relapses are common.
• The types responsible for condyloma are different from those associated with cervical cancer - but the infections can coexist.
• Women diagnosed with condyloma should continue gynecological prophylaxis as recommended.
• Lesions similar to condylomas result in pearly papules, Fordyce spots, molluscum contagiosum, and syphilis - therefore diagnosis is necessary.

Find out more about the specialist

Doctor. Arthur Abbazov is a urologist and andrologist at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk. He deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urogenital system, including changes in the intimate areas. When suspecting condyloma, the most important thing is diagnosis: a significant number of patients report with anxiety, and the examination ends with the finding of a completely benign lesion. He also conducts consultations in Russian.

Meet the doctor. Arthura Abbazova

Where do condylomas come from

Condyloma acuminata, also called genital warts, are the result of infection with the human papilloma virus. There are many types of this virus and this distinction is crucial.

Condylomas are caused by low-risk types - i.e. those that cause wart-like changes but do not lead to the development of cancer. High-risk types, associated with cervical cancer and some anal, penile and throat cancers, are different types of the virus and usually do not cause visible changes. This is why the diagnosis of condyloma in itself does not provide information about the risk of cancer.

The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the intimate area. Infection can occur during vaginal, anal and oral sex, but also without full intercourse - contact of infected skin with the partner's intimate area is enough. A condom reduces the risk but does not eliminate it because it does not cover the entire area.

It usually takes weeks or months, and sometimes much longer, from infection to the appearance of visible changes - the virus may remain inactive in the skin. This leads to a conclusion that is worth saying directly: determining when and from whom the infection occurred is usually not possible, and the appearance of condylomas is not evidence of infidelity.

What do they look like

A typical condyloma is a soft, uneven, skin-colored, pink or grayish wart-like growth. The surface may be smooth or clearly cauliflower-like. The lesions may be isolated, but are more likely to occur in clusters - and tend to merge into larger structures.

In men lesions most often appear on the foreskin, glans, in the retroglans groove, at the frenulum, on the penile shaft, on the scrotum, in the groin, on the perineum and around the anus, less often at the urethral opening.

In women locations include the labia, vaginal vestibule, perineum, anal area, as well as the vagina and cervix - the latter require gynecological evaluation and may remain invisible to the patient.

Condylomas usually do not hurt. However, they may itch, burn, become irritated and bleed when rubbed - for example after shaving the intimate area or after intercourse. The lack of pain may be a reason to postpone the visit, even though the lesions multiply and spread during this time.

Are condylomas dangerous?

This is a question from the title and requires an answer spread over several levels, because a simple "yes" or "no" answer would be misleading.

They are not cancerous and do not progress to cancer. Low-risk virus types are responsible. The diagnosis of condyloma does not mean there is an oncological risk and is not a reason to panic.

However, they are infectious - both for the partner and for the patient himself, because they can spread to neighboring areas. If left untreated, they can enlarge, multiply and merge into larger lesions, which are much more difficult to remove than single growths.

Require differentiation. This is the most important reason why self-diagnosis is risky. Changes that are completely harmless may look similar, but also changes that require completely different treatment - and in rare cases, changes that require urgent diagnostics.

May coexist with high-risk types of infection. The presence of condyloma does not mean such infection, but does not rule it out. Therefore, women diagnosed with condyloma should continue gynecological prophylaxis in accordance with current recommendations - not because of the condyloma itself, but as part of standard care.

It is worth mentioning the mental burden separately. For many patients, this is the biggest problem: shame, fear of their partner's reaction, feeling of stigmatization. It is worth knowing that HPV infections are among the most common sexually transmitted infections and do not indicate anything other than the fact that someone is sexually active.

What are they confused with

The fourth line deserves to be underlined. Condyloma flat occurring in the course of syphilis look similar to condyloma acuminata, but are a symptom of a completely different disease that requires urgent treatment. This is one of the main reasons why changes in the intimate area are assessed by a doctor, not a search engine.

What is the diagnosis

The diagnosis of condyloma is based primarily on a clinical examination - the doctor assesses the appearance of the lesions, their surface, location and distribution. In most cases this is enough.

Depending on the situation, the procedure may include:

• assessment of the entire intimate area, perineum and anal area, also where the patient did not notice any changes,
• magnified examination in the case of minor or unusual changes,
• proctological assessment in the case of perianal lesions,
• in women - assessment gynecological examination, as the lesions may involve the vagina and cervix,
• tests for other sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis,
• biopsy of the lesion if it is unusual, hard, ulcerated, bleeding, pigmented or does not respond to treatment,
• discussion about the HPV vaccination.

It is worth clarifying one thing that patients ask most often: there is no routine test to determine the overall "HPV status" in an adult. Molecular tests are performed in specific situations, mainly as part of gynecological prevention, and they concern a specific location. A negative result from one place does not rule out the presence of the virus elsewhere.

Treatment methods

The aim of treatment is to remove visible lesions, reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of further spread. The method is selected depending on the number, size and location of lesions, as well as the patient's capabilities and preferences.

Three rules apply regardless of the chosen method. Firstly, treatment begins after diagnosis, not on the basis of assumptions. Secondly, preparations intended for the treatment of condyloma should not be used on their own or on lesions of an unknown nature - the intimate area is sensitive, and accidental damage to the skin makes subsequent assessment difficult. Thirdly, no method removes the virus from the body - it only removes visible changes.

I strongly advise against over-the-counter wart preparations intended for use on hands and feet. Their use in the intimate area may result in chemical burns, ulcers and scars.

Relapses - why do they happen

Relapses after treatment are common and this is one of the most important things that the patient should know before starting therapy - otherwise he will perceive them as a failure of the doctor.

The mechanism is simple: treatment removes visible lesions, but the virus may remain in the surrounding skin and mucous membranes, in places where a wart has not yet formed. New changes then appear in the following weeks or months.

The risk of relapse is increased by: extensive changes at the beginning of treatment, reduced immunity, smoking, subsequent exposure to infection and premature discontinuation of local treatment. Ultimately, the immune system's response determines the elimination of the virus - in many people this happens spontaneously within a dozen or so months.

Therefore, follow-up is needed after treatment. A recurrence caught early is usually a single, small lesion - not an extensive problem requiring another series of treatments.

Partner and conversation about the diagnosis

The diagnosis of condyloma can be a source of tension in a relationship - more often than the symptoms themselves. So it's worth sorting out a few facts.

This is not proof of betrayal. The virus can remain inactive for a long time, and weeks, months, sometimes longer pass between infection and the appearance of changes. Determining the moment of infection is usually not possible and is not worth doing.

Your partner does not require automatic treatmentif there are no changes - you are not treated "just in case". However, it is worth getting checked out, especially if they notice any changes. For women, it is important to continue gynecological prophylaxis as recommended.

Sexual activity during treatment requires discussion with your doctor. It is usually recommended to refrain from using it until the lesions heal, and to use a condom in case of new contacts, which reduces the risk of transmission, but does not eliminate it.

Vaccination against HPV is a preventive method - it protects against infection with the types contained in the vaccine, but does not cure existing lesions. Whether it is worth considering them in a given case is an individual matter and should be discussed with a doctor, taking into account age and vaccination history.

What not to do

• Do not use "wart" preparations intended for hands and feet - they may cause chemical burns and scars.
• Do not attempt to remove the lesions yourself - with scissors, clippers or by scratching. This is a path to infection and spread.
• Do not use disinfectants and home remedies from the Internet on the intimate area.
• Do not assume the diagnosis of based on photos - changes that are completely harmless and those that require urgent diagnosis look similar.
• Do not stop topical treatmentonce the lesions start to disappear - the regimen has a limited duration.
• Do not shave the intimate area during treatment without prior agreement - shaving promotes the transmission of the virus to adjacent areas.
• Don't postpone your visit because of shame - the lesions multiply during this time and are more difficult to remove.

The most common myths

• "Condyloma is cancer." No. They are caused by low-risk types of viruses that do not lead to cancer.
• "It's proof of betrayal." No. The virus can remain inactive for a long time, and the moment of infection is usually impossible to determine.
• "Removing changes removes the virus." No. Treatment removes visible lesions, and the virus may remain in the skin.
• "The condom protects one hundred percent." No. It reduces the risk, but does not cover the entire exposed area.
• "No change means no infection." No. HPV infection is often asymptomatic.
• "Any lump in the intimate area is a condyloma." No. Pearly papules and Fordyce spots are anatomical variants.
• "Vaccination will cure existing warts." No. Vaccination is prevention, not treatment.
• "If they don't hurt, you can wait." Not worth it. Lesions multiply and extensive ones are more difficult to remove.

Have you noticed any changes in your intimate area?

Most of these changes turn out to be completely benign. The consultation allows you to distinguish condylomas from anatomical variants and other diseases and select the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of changes in the intimate areas at the Island of Friendly Medicine in Gdańsk

At the Island of Friendly Medicine, doctor. Arthur Abbazov consults patients with changes in the intimate areas. The visit includes an interview, examination and differentiation of condyloma from pearly papules, Fordyce spots, molluscum contagiosum and other lesions requiring separate treatment.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, available treatment methods, the risk of recurrence, rules of conduct during therapy and the need for diagnostics for other sexually transmitted infections are discussed. The current scope of treatments, availability of dates and prices should be confirmed during registration.

Find out more about the medicine. Arthur Abbazov Urological consultation Spots and lumps on the penis

What to ask the doctor?

• Are my lesions really condyloma acuminata?
• Are these pearly papules, Fordyce spots or another lesion?
• Do I need a biopsy?
• Should I be tested for other sexually transmitted infections?
• Which treatment method do you suggest and why this one?
• How many sessions or how long will the treatment take?
• How high is my risk of recurrence?
• When can I return to sexual activity?
• Should your partner be tested?
• Is it worth considering HPV vaccination in my situation?
• What symptoms should prompt me to visit earlier?
• When should I go for a check-up after treatment?

FAQ - genital warts

What do genital warts look like?

As soft, uneven, skin-colored, warty growths, pink or greyish, sometimes cauliflower-like. They may be single, but more often they occur in clusters and tend to merge.

Where do they appear?

In men, on the foreskin, glans, retroglans groove, frenulum, penile shaft, scrotum, perineum and around the anus. In women, on the labia, in the vaginal vestibule, on the perineum, around the anus, as well as in the vagina and on the cervix.

Are condylomas dangerous?

They are not cancerous and do not progress to cancer - low-risk types of the virus are responsible for them. However, they are contagious, can spread, and need to be distinguished from other lesions, including symptoms of syphilis.

Do condylomas hurt?

Usually no. They may itch, burn and bleed when irritated, such as after shaving or intercourse. The lack of pain may be a reason to postpone the visit, although the changes multiply during this time.

Is this proof of your partner's betrayal?

No. The virus can remain inactive for a long time, with weeks or months passing between infection and lesions appearing. It is usually not possible to determine when and from whom the infection occurred.

How are they treated?

Topical treatment with prescription drugs, cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, laser therapy or surgical excision is used. The method is selected by the doctor depending on the number, size and location of the lesions.

Does treatment remove the virus?

No. It removes visible lesions, but the virus may remain in the surrounding skin and mucous membranes. Its elimination is ultimately determined by the response of the immune system.

Do condylomas come back?

Relapses are common, especially in the first months after treatment. They do not indicate an error in therapy. Therefore, follow-up is needed after treatment - a relapse detected early is usually a single, small lesion.

Can I use a wart preparation from the pharmacy?

No. Preparations intended for hands and feet used in the intimate area may cause chemical burns, ulcers and scars. Treatment of condyloma requires preparations intended for this location and medical supervision.

Does my partner need treatment?

You don't treat a person without any changes "just in case". However, it is worth having your partner come for an examination and, in women, continue gynecological prophylaxis as recommended.

Will the HPV vaccination help?

Vaccination is prevention - it protects against infection with the types contained in the vaccine, but does not cure existing lesions. It is worth discussing the appropriateness of vaccination in a specific case with your doctor.

Who treats condylomas at WMP?

On the WMP website, MD. Arthur Abbazov is described as a urologist and andrologist engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urogenital system. The scope of treatments and availability of dates are confirmed by registration.

Sources

• Island of Friendly Medicine, MD. Arthur Abbazov: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/artur-abazzov
• Island of Friendly Medicine, urological consultation: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/konsultacja-urologiczna
• Island of Friendly Medicine, spots and lumps on the penis: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/plamki-i-grudki-na-penisie
• BASHH, United Kingdom National Guideline on the Management of Anogenital Warts: https://www.bashh.org/guidelines
• IUSTI-Europe, European guideline for the management of anogenital warts: https://iusti.org/treatment-guidelines/
• NHS, Genital warts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/
• NHS, Syphilis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/syphilis/
• NHS, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/
• DermNet, Anogenital warts: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/anogenital-warts
• DermNet, Molluscum contagiosum: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/molluscum-contagiosum
• CDC, About Genital HPV Infection: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html
• Patient.gov.pl, vaccinations against HPV: https://pacjent.gov.pl/aktualnosc/szkolenie-powiedz-hpv-dla-twojego-dziecka