Genital warts in women — confidential diagnosis, treatment and screening

Key facts

• Caused by low-risk HPV types, usually 6 and 11
• Confidential examination with a chaperone on request
• Creams, cryotherapy or CO2 laser depending on the case
• Some creams are not suitable in pregnancy
• Keep up with cervical screening through your gynaecologist

How genital warts appear in women

Genital warts are small, flesh-coloured, pink or brown growths that may be flat, raised or cauliflower-like. In women they can appear on the vulva, around the vaginal opening, the perineum, around the anus and on the upper thighs, and sometimes inside the vagina or on the cervix, where they may not be visible without an internal examination. They often cause no pain but can itch, feel irritated or bleed slightly with friction. Warts may appear weeks to months after contact with the virus, so it is often impossible to know exactly when or from whom it was acquired.

Confidential diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made by examining the area. Dr. Abdullah Anis explains each step beforehand, and a chaperone can be present if you wish. Several harmless skin features, such as skin tags, small cysts or normal vestibular papillae, can look similar to warts, and distinguishing them avoids unnecessary treatment. If a lesion looks unusual, is pigmented, ulcerated or does not respond to treatment, a small biopsy may be advised. A screen for other sexually transmitted infections may be offered, because they can be present at the same time. All information is kept private.

Treatment options

Treatment is chosen according to the number, size, location and type of warts, and your preferences. Prescription creams applied at home over several weeks can stimulate the immune system or destroy wart tissue. In-clinic options include cryotherapy, which freezes the warts, and CO2 laser, which removes them precisely under local anaesthetic and can be useful for larger or numerous warts. More than one session is often needed, and warts can recur because the virus may remain in surrounding skin. Over-the-counter wart products for hands and feet should not be used on genital skin.

Pregnancy and cervical screening

Warts can grow or multiply during pregnancy due to hormonal and immune changes. Some creams are not suitable in pregnancy, so tell the doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy; cryotherapy is often an option. Your obstetrician should be informed. The low-risk HPV types that cause warts do not cause cervical cancer, but women with warts may also have been exposed to other HPV types. This is why staying up to date with cervical screening through your gynaecologist is important, whether or not you have visible warts, and why HPV vaccination may be discussed.

Partners, recurrence and red flags

Current partners may benefit from an examination, although many people carry HPV without visible warts. Condoms reduce but do not fully eliminate transmission, because HPV can affect skin not covered by a condom. Avoiding smoking supports the immune response and may reduce recurrence. Seek prompt review if a genital lesion bleeds easily, grows quickly, changes colour, becomes an ulcer or is painful, or if you have unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. These features need examination to rule out other conditions. Most women find that warts clear with treatment, although follow-up visits may be needed.

Genital warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They are common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. A specialist examination confirms the diagnosis and rules out look-alike conditions before treatment is chosen.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.