HPV treatment in Dubai — warts, high-risk types, testing and vaccination

Key facts

• Most HPV infections clear on their own within 1–2 years
• Types 6 and 11 cause warts; types 16 and 18 are high-risk
• Warts are treated; high-risk HPV is managed through screening
• Vaccination prevents new infections but does not treat existing ones
• Confidential care in English and Arabic, including for Sharjah patients

HPV explained: low-risk and high-risk types

Human papillomavirus is a very common group of viruses passed mainly through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most sexually active adults encounter HPV at some point, and in many people the immune system clears it within one to two years without any symptoms. HPV types are grouped by risk. Low-risk types, especially types 6 and 11, cause most genital warts but are not associated with cancer. High-risk types, such as 16 and 18, usually cause no visible signs, but persistent infection can lead to cell changes in the cervix and, less commonly, in the anus, throat or genital skin, which is why screening matters.

What HPV treatment actually means

Antiviral medicines do not eradicate HPV from the body, so treatment focuses on what the virus causes. Genital warts can be treated with prescription creams applied at home or with in-clinic treatments such as cryotherapy or CO2 laser, chosen according to the number, size and location of the warts. High-risk HPV found on cervical screening is managed by monitoring and, if cell changes are found, treatment of those changes by a gynaecologist. Supporting general health and not smoking may help the immune system clear the virus. Dr. Abdullah Anis explains what your result means and the appropriate next steps.

Who should be tested and how

For women, HPV testing is part of cervical screening, carried out by a gynaecologist or women's health service at recommended intervals. For men, there is currently no routine approved HPV blood or swab test for general screening; diagnosis is usually based on examining visible lesions. Dr. Abdullah Anis can examine any bumps or skin changes, confirm whether they are warts or something else, and advise whether a full sexual health screen for other infections would be sensible. Testing decisions are made after a confidential discussion of your history and concerns.

HPV vaccination

HPV vaccines protect against the types that cause most genital warts and HPV-related cancers. They work best when given before any exposure, which is why they are recommended for adolescents, but vaccination can still benefit many adults, including those who have already had an HPV-related problem, because it protects against types they may not yet have encountered. The number of doses depends on age. Dr. Abdullah Anis can discuss whether vaccination is suitable for you and advise on where it can be given. Vaccination does not treat existing warts or infections, so it complements rather than replaces treatment and screening.

Confidential care for Dubai and Sharjah patients

Sexual health consultations at Manhal are private and handled discreetly, in English or Arabic. Many patients travel from Sharjah and the northern emirates to central Dubai, between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, for confidential dermatology and venereology care. Partners can be seen separately or together, depending on preference. Seek prompt review if you notice a genital sore or ulcer, a lump that bleeds, grows quickly or changes colour, abnormal bleeding, or persistent pain. These signs need examination rather than self-treatment with over-the-counter wart products, which are not designed for genital skin.

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.