What are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are small bumps or nodules, usually flesh-colored or slightly pinkish in tone, that occur as a result of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), a sexually transmitted virus, infecting the thin layers of the skin and mucosa. Genital warts their distinctive rough surfaces and their tendency to sometimes stick together and form clusters resembling flowers can cause both aesthetic concerns and a slight burning sensation when they affect the genital area.
How Are Genital Warts Transmitted?
HPV is transmitted through skin contact in the genital or anal area of an infected person, direct friction, or through micro-level cracks. While unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse is the most common transmission route, shared sex toys and rarely contaminated surfaces can also be a means of transmission of the virus. Even if the virus does not cause obvious lesions on the skin as a microorganism, carriers can be contagious.
What Virus Causes Genital Warts? (HPV Relationship)
The vast majority of genital warts are triggered by HPV types 6 and 11. These low-risk types have a minimal risk of developing cancer, but they cause wart formation. High-risk HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, etc.) cause dysplasia and precancerous changes in cervical cells, and have a lower potential to cause warts.
What are the symptoms of genital warts?
The lesions, which start as one or a few small blisters, spread to a plateau-like level over time and take on the appearance of a mass portion. The lesions may cause mild itching, burning or discomfort; sometimes they remain asymptomatic. Sometimes, slight bleeding or discharge may be seen in warts due to accompanying moisture or friction.
Where are Genital Warts Seen? (In Women – Men)
In women, it can be seen around the labium majus and minor, vaginal entrance, perineum and anal area; rarely on the surface of the cervix. In men, it occurs in the skin layers around the penis body, glans, frenulum, scrotum and anal area. In cases transmitted orally, lesions may also occur in the mouth, lip edges or throat.
How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by clinical examination; the typical structure and localization of the lesions are evaluated by the physician. If necessary, warts become white and visible after acetic acid application. Cervical wart suspicion is investigated by cervical sampling (Pap smear) or colposcopy. HPV DNA test helps to determine the type of HPV and the presence of high-risk types other than warts.
What are the Genital Wart Treatment Methods? (Cream, Laser, Cryotherapy, etc.)
More than one method can be combined in the treatment of genital warts. In topical applications, creams containing podofilox and imiquimod selectively affect the wart tissue, preventing cellular proliferation and strengthening the body’s immune response. Cryotherapy freezes the wart with liquid nitrogen and causes cell death; it is usually applied to medium-sized lesions in a single session. While electrocautery and radiofrequency devices are used to burn the wart tissue, laser therapy (CO₂ laser) penetrates deeply, provides permanent ablation and minimizes bleeding. In some centers, chemical cauterization with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution or surgical excision is also preferred. The advantages and side effect profiles of each method are different; the size and number of warts and the patient’s preference determine the treatment plan.
How Many Sessions Does Genital Wart Treatment Take?
The number of treatment sessions depends on the prevalence of the warts and the method used. Topical creams are usually applied twice a week for 8–12 weeks, while the rate of shrinkage or disappearance of the wart is monitored at each session. In interventional methods such as cryotherapy and laser, 1–3 sessions are often sufficient; excision or repeated freezing can be performed with a 3–6 week wait in between. For more widespread or clustered condylomas, 4–6 sessions of combined treatment may be required. The treatment protocol is flexibly adjusted by the physician according to the lesion response in post-session checks.
Things to Consider After Genital Wart Treatment
After treatment, the area should be kept clean and dry, and cotton underwear should be preferred. Crusts may be seen after cryotherapy or laser; not touching or peeling the crusts by hand will speed up wound healing. In case of pain or burning, topical soothing agents or mild analgesics recommended by the physician can be used. Avoiding sexual intercourse at least until the wound heals and continuing to use condoms until the treatment is completed reduces the risk of transmission of the virus. The condition of the area is monitored with weekly checks; warm showers and gentle soaps are recommended against possible wound infection.
Do Genital Warts Recur?
Since HPV infection cannot be completely eliminated from the body, there is a risk of recurrence after treatment for warts. The recurrence rate is around 10-20% in those with a strong immune system, but early treatment and regular follow-up largely prevents the lesions from spreading again. HPV vaccination provides protection against different types of the virus after treatment and reduces the risk of recurrence. In cases where follow-up ultrasound or colposcopic control is required, examinations can be planned every 3-6 months.
Genital Wart Treatment Prices 2025
In 2025, genital wart treatment packages will range from ₺2,000 to ₺5,000 depending on the method chosen. Topical cream treatment packages are between ₺1,500 to ₺2,500 per month, cryotherapy sessions are between ₺800 to ₺1,200 on average, and laser ablation sessions are between ₺2,000 to ₺3,000. “All methods” packages that include combined therapy are offered between ₺4,000 to ₺5,000. Only surgical excision and cryotherapy can be performed free of charge under SGK with certain indications; laser and drug treatments are subject to special payment by the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do genital warts cause cancer?
The low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) that cause genital warts do not directly lead to cancer; these types only cause warts. High-risk HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, etc.) can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, penis, or anal area, but these types are associated with cellular dysplasia and silent infections rather than genital wart formation. Therefore, the risk of developing cancer in the presence of genital warts is low; however, follow-up with smear and HPV DNA tests is recommended for HPV positivity.
Is there any transmission other than through sexual intercourse?
Since HPV is mainly spread through skin and mucosal contact, transmission is most common through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. In very rare cases, transmission can also occur via contaminated surfaces such as towels, underwear or sex toys; however, this route is of secondary importance as the virus is rapidly inactivated in the external environment. The risk of transmission through blood or through contact such as kissing is practically negligible.
Can genital warts be completely removed?
Current treatments (cryotherapy, laser, topical agents, etc.) eliminate visible warts but do not completely clear the HPV virus. Lesions may regress with treatment as the immune system controls the infection; however, the virus may persist in a latent phase and there is always a risk of recurrence. Warts can be kept under control for a long time with regular follow-up and touch-up sessions when necessary.
Is sexual intercourse recommended during treatment?
During the treatment period, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse or use a condom to allow the lesion to heal and to reduce the risk of new warts. Sexual activity should be postponed for the first 1-2 weeks, especially after cryo-, laser or chemical treatments, to prevent friction-related injury and virus spread. Your doctor will clarify when you can start again based on your recovery.
Does the HPV vaccine prevent genital warts?
HPV vaccines also protect against low-risk types 6 and 11, thus providing protection against approximately 90% of genital warts. The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV (before puberty). Vaccination is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence of existing warts after treatment and to reduce the possibility of infection with new types.
Do genital warts cause cancer?
The low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) that cause genital warts do not directly lead to cancer; these types only cause warts. High-risk HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, etc.) can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, penis, or anal area, but these types are associated with cellular dysplasia and silent infections rather than genital wart formation. Therefore, the risk of developing cancer in the presence of genital warts is low; however, follow-up with smear and HPV DNA tests is recommended for HPV positivity.
Is there any transmission other than through sexual intercourse?
Since HPV is mainly spread through skin and mucosal contact, transmission is most common through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. In very rare cases, transmission can also occur via contaminated surfaces such as towels, underwear or sex toys; however, this route is of secondary importance as the virus is rapidly inactivated in the external environment. The risk of transmission through blood or through contact such as kissing is practically negligible.
Can genital warts be completely removed?
Current treatments (cryotherapy, laser, topical agents, etc.) eliminate visible warts but do not completely clear the HPV virus. Lesions may regress with treatment as the immune system controls the infection; however, the virus may persist in a latent phase and there is always a risk of recurrence. Warts can be kept under control for a long time with regular follow-up and touch-up sessions when necessary.
Is sexual intercourse recommended during treatment?
During the treatment period, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse or use a condom to allow the lesion to heal and to reduce the risk of new warts. Sexual activity should be postponed for the first 1-2 weeks, especially after cryo-, laser or chemical treatments, to prevent friction-related injury and virus spread. Your doctor will clarify when you can start again based on your recovery.
Does the HPV vaccine prevent genital warts?
HPV vaccines also protect against low-risk types 6 and 11, thus providing protection against approximately 90% of genital warts. The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV (before puberty). Vaccination is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence of existing warts after treatment and to reduce the possibility of infection with new types.