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Genital warts

Caused by HPV. Common, harmless, and treatable with several options.

Speak to a GP about genital wartsFrom £79

In short

Genital warts are a common, harmless HPV infection. They're treatable with creams or clinic procedures, and sexual health services offer free treatment. The HPV vaccine helps prevent them.

Overview

What is genital warts?

Genital warts are small growths around the genitals or anus caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They're very common and harmless (the types that cause warts don't cause cancer), but understandably unwanted. They're spread by skin contact and are treatable with topical creams or clinic treatments like freezing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Small, flesh-coloured or grey growths around the genitals or anus
  • Clusters that can look like a small cauliflower
  • Usually painless, sometimes itchy
  • Occasionally bleeding, for example after sex

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you notice growths around the genital area, want treatment, or are unsure what they are. Free treatment is available at NHS sexual health services.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Warts causing bleeding, pain, or difficulty passing urine
  • Warts in pregnancy (treatment choices differ, so get advice)
  • A growth you're unsure about, or that's changing (to confirm what it is)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A confidential assessment to confirm genital warts
  • Explanation of the treatment options (creams you apply, or clinic treatments like freezing)
  • Prescription of topical treatment (e.g. imiquimod) where appropriate
  • Advice on HPV, transmission, and the HPV vaccine
  • Reassurance, as genital warts are harmless and common
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service, which offers free treatment including freezing

What we don't do

  • Clinic freezing and physical wart removal (free via NHS sexual health services)
  • Treatment of internal (e.g. cervical or anal) warts (specialist services)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about genital warts starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate. NHS sexual health treatment is free; you pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about genital warts

Are genital warts dangerous?
No, they're harmless. They're caused by types of HPV that don't cause cancer. They can be a nuisance and are understandably unwanted, which is why treatment is available.
How are they treated?
With creams you apply at home (like imiquimod) or clinic treatments such as freezing. Several rounds are sometimes needed. Sexual health clinics provide treatment free.
Will they come back?
They can recur, as the virus can persist, but treatment clears the visible warts and the body often clears the virus over time. The HPV vaccine helps prevent them.
Does the HPV vaccine help?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the main wart-causing and cancer-causing types. It's offered to young people and available privately for others.
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Ready to talk to a GP about genital warts?

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