What Are Genital Warts? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods You Need to Know About
31 July 2026
What Are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are cauliflower-like lesions that appear on the skin and mucosal areas, caused by certain types of HPV. To date, over 200 types of HPV have been identified. HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for more than 90% of genital warts. Approximately 40 HPV types can infect mucosal areas such as the genital region (vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum) as well as the mouth and throat. These HPV types affecting the genital areas are mostly transmitted through sexual contact, while other low-risk types that cause warts on the hands and soles of the feet are usually transmitted through non-sexual contact.
Genital warts are generally sexually transmitted diseases. They can affect both men and women. The lesions appear as small, soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored bumps in the genital area. Sometimes they can take on a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts can, in some cases, cause itching, burning, and discomfort.
Human Papillomavirus is usually asymptomatic and controlled by the immune system. However, sometimes, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, the infection can become persistent and lead to the formation of warts.
What Causes Genital Warts?
When HPV comes into contact with skin and mucous membranes, it usually penetrates the body through very fine fissures or invisible cracks. It then settles into cells, where it replicates its DNA and multiplies, leading to wart formation. Most warts that appear in the genital area are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
What are the symptoms of Genital Warts?
Genital warts typically appear as small, soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored bumps in the genital area. Sometimes they can take on a cauliflower-like appearance. These warts can, in some cases, cause itching, burning, and discomfort.
How are genital warts diagnosed?
The diagnosis and treatment of genital warts are managed by gynecologists (obstetricians) for women and urologists for male patients. Additionally, the dermatology department is also a suitable field for both genders.
The diagnosis of genital warts is typically made through a physical examination. A doctor can diagnose by examining symptoms and the patient's history. In some cases, especially if lesions appear atypical or do not respond to treatment, a biopsy may be necessary.
HPV and genital warts
Genital Wart Treatment
Genital wart treatment varies depending on the number, size, location of the warts, and the patient's preferences. The patient's immune status and specific conditions like pregnancy are also considered when planning treatment.
Topical cream treatments are frequently preferred in treatment processes due to their ease of use by patients. Some creams stimulate the immune system to fight the virus, while others aim to destroy wart cells. Products containing Glycyrrhizinic Acid derived from licorice root are examples of these.
Clinical treatments, on the other hand, are performed by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting, under local or general anesthesia. In addition to surgical intervention, cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning), and laser therapy can be applied. Recovery times vary, typically taking several weeks.
Use of Glycyrrhizinic acid in genital wart treatment
In addition to treatments, the use of the active ingredient Glycyrrhizinic Acid, derived from licorice root, has increased in recent years to prevent the formation of warts and accelerate their elimination from the body. Glycyrrhizinic Acid prevents viral replication thanks to its antioxidant effect on free radicals and its stimulating effect that increases endogenous interferon production. It also prevents the virus from attaching to human cell membranes.
Glizigen® Gel and Spray are special care products developed for the genital area against the risk of viral transmission. With its Glycyrrhizinic Acid content, it creates a protective barrier against viruses such as HPV and HSV, supports immunity, and maintains the skin's natural pH balance. It can be safely used for daily hygiene after laser hair removal, menstrual periods, sexual intercourse, gym and pool use.
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Formula supported with glycyrrhizinic acid, phytosphingosine, and lactic acid
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Protective barrier effect against the risk of viral transmission
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Soap-free, pH balanced
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Provides gentle care without drying the skin
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Clinically and dermatologically tested
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Made in Spain
Click on the product titles to examine the products in more detail.
Post-Treatment and Follow-up
There is a risk of warts recurring after treatment. Therefore, regular follow-up and controls are important. Additionally, it is important for sexual partners to be examined and treated if necessary.
How Are Genital Warts Transmitted? The most common way genital warts are transmitted is through sexual contact. This contact can occur not only during sexual intercourse but also through skin-to-skin contact. Condom use reduces transmission but does not prevent it entirely.
In some cases, the body can easily cope with the virus, and the person may not show any symptoms. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with other illnesses or who are taking immunosuppressive drugs, HPV can more easily take hold in the body and warts may develop.
What factors increase the risk of HPV and genital warts?
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Having multiple sexual partners
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Starting sexual activity at an early age
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Smoking (can weaken the immune system)
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Individuals with weakened immune systems (Click to read our article that examines HPV and the immune system in more detail)
What happens if genital warts are left untreated?
If left untreated, genital warts can grow and spread over time. This can cause both physical discomfort and increase the risk of transmission during sexual intercourse. Additionally, untreated warts can lead to more serious health problems if the immune system is weakened. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of genital warts are important.
How to Prevent Genital Warts?
HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccines are helpful in providing protection, especially against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. Both women and men should get the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active, as vaccines are most effective when administered before sexual activity begins. Additionally, it is strongly recommended for sexually active individuals to get the HPV vaccine.
Condom Use
Condom use can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. However, it should not be overlooked that HPV can also be transmitted through skin contact. Therefore, while condom use does not provide complete protection, it plays an important role in reducing the risk of transmission.
Limiting the Number of Sexual Partners
Reducing the number of sexual partners or having monogamous relationships is very important in reducing the risk of HPV transmission, while having many sexual partners increases the risk of encountering HPV.
Strengthening the Immune System
A healthy lifestyle, regulating sleep, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking contribute to strengthening the immune system. The immune system can control HPV, and completely eliminate the virus from the body. Therefore, having a strong immune system plays an important role in preventing and treating HPV and genital warts.
Regular Health Check-ups
Early detection of HPV infection and the initiation of treatment are crucial, so regular health check-ups should not be neglected. For women, Pap smear tests are effective in the early detection of cellular changes caused by HPV.
Genital warts are very common worldwide and can be a concerning condition. However, it should be remembered that these warts are usually caused by non-cancerous HPV types and can be controlled with many different treatment methods. Whether with medication or clinically applied methods, treatment options are tailored to the patient's condition and often yield successful results.
However, the disappearance of warts from the body does not always mean that the virus has been completely cleared. The virus can live in cells and may reappear, especially when the immune system is weakened. Therefore, regular doctor visits and post-treatment follow-up are very important.
It should not be forgotten that the most effective prevention method is the HPV vaccine. Especially when administered at a young age, the vaccine largely prevents the development of both genital warts and other HPV-related diseases. Condom use and a healthy lifestyle also help reduce the risk of transmission.
If you observe wart formation in your genital area, it is vitally important to consult a specialist without shame or hesitation. Early diagnosis and treatment are the most effective ways to prevent both the spread of warts and possible complications.
Genital warts during pregnancy
Genital warts can appear during pregnancy as a result of an HPV infection. These warts are generally harmless but can be uncomfortable lesions seen on the skin or mucous membranes. Pregnant women may become more susceptible to this virus due to changes in their immune system. The treatment of genital warts during pregnancy must be carefully planned and carried out under medical supervision. In this process, if the warts grow or spread, appropriate treatment methods should be used to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.
Can HPV be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy?
The question of whether HPV can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy is important. Although HPV is generally a sexually transmitted virus, the risk of transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy is low. However, there is a possibility of the virus being transmitted to the baby from an infected mother during childbirth. Therefore, regular check-ups and doctor's recommendations regarding HPV before and during pregnancy are important. It plays a critical role for expectant mothers to be informed about this issue and to take the necessary precautions, both for their own health and the health of their babies. For detailed information about HPV, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HPV types most commonly cause genital warts?
More than 90% of genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types 6 and 11.
Which doctors should be consulted for genital warts?
Women can consult a gynecologist, men a urologist, and both sexes can consult a dermatologist.
What happens if genital warts are not treated?
Warts can grow and spread over time, causing physical discomfort and increasing the risk of transmission during sexual intercourse. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
If you notice genital warts or similar structures on your body, consult your family doctor as soon as possible.
This article was written by Pharmacist Nil Eker from the Primum Pharma team.