HPV Genital Warts Treatment & Removal
Genital warts are more common than you might think.
They can be a source of embarrassment, and even stigma and shame, but it’s important to remember that genital warts are a very common STI. Genital warts can be unsightly and can cause pain, itching and discomfort, so it can often be very distressing when they appear.
They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) with types 6 and 11 causing about 90% of all infections. More than 2/3 of all sexually active people acquire the HPV virus at some stage in their life, with the majority of infections never developing into any visible warts and no other visible symptoms. However, warts can appear weeks, months, or even years after the virus has been contracted.
Genital warts can appear any where in the private areas of the body, such as on the penis, scrotum, groin, anus, inside or outside the vagina, vulva or on the cervix. The warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.
If you find any lumps or bumps it is important to come in to be examined by one of our private doctors. If warts are confirmed, we would advise a full STI check to rule out any other STIs acquired at the same time.
Treatment options consist of cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) as well as topical treatments with creams and ointments.
During your private consultation, a doctor will diagnose and initially treat any confirmed genital warts and advise you on any further recommended treatment.
What do I do if I think I have genital warts?
Come and see us for prompt diagnosis and treatment
If you find a lump or bump down there – don’t panic. Our sexual health clinicians specialise in genital wart removal with minimal discomfort.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, come in and speak to one of our private sexual health doctors. At Fleet Street Clinic, we have a highly experienced team who can help you diagnose and offer same day treatment.
Genital warts look like any other formation of wart – they are small, dark or red or pink growths resembling raspberries or cauliflowers, in or around the genitals or rectum.
I have a lump but am unsure if it's genital warts?
Please book in for a symptomatic Sexual Health Consultation with one of our doctors.
If you’re unsure, it would be more suitable for you to book a symptomatic Sexual Health Consultation rather than a Wart Consultation.
That way our private doctor can confirm whether the lump you have is in fact a genital wart.
We often see patients who have been incorrectly self-diagnosed or have been told they have warts but in fact do not. There are a number of reasons for a lump.
If genital warts are diagnosed, our doctor will do initial treatment within the appointment time. They will also ensure that you do not have warts in other areas that you have not noticed. They will explain if any follow up appointments will be required and also discuss how you can best prevent getting genital warts again.
I have a HPV outbreak - what do I do?
Unfortunately, genital warts can recur.
Warts can come back after you have managed to get rid of them. This may happen weeks, months or years after they first appeared.
If your genital warts have returned, you will need to come into the clinic for another course of treatment. Sometime they recur in the same area but often times they can reappear in a new area. Book a wart consultation and during this appointment initial treatment can begin on the same day.
As a healthy immune system is usually able to clear the HPV virus, or suppress it, keeping your immune system as healthy as possible will likely reduce further HPV outbreaks.
How can I catch Genital Warts?
Genital warts are caused by a sexually transmitted HPV infection.
Genital warts result from a skin infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be passed from person to person through an exchange of infected body fluids or skin-to-skin contact. This includes unprotected vaginal or anal sex, or by sharing infected sex toys. Although rare, it can also be transmitted via oral sex. Genital Warts cannot be passed on by kissing or sharing objects like towels, cutlery, cups or toilet seats.
Genital warts can appear anywhere in the private areas of the body, such as vagina, vulva, penis and anus.
My partner has been diagnosed with genital warts - what do I do?
Our doctors may advise abstinence during treatment.
As HPV is passed through skin to skin contact, therefore, even safe sex advice may not offer full protection.
Our doctors may advise you to avoid sex until treatment for genital warts is complete, to wait for the virus to clear from your system. This will reduce the risk of transmission between partners.
It’s possible to pass on the virus even when there are no visible warts on the skin. So you both may be HPV-positive without knowing.
How are Genital Warts treated?
Genital warts present in many different ways so it’s best not to self-diagnose and see a doctor for an examination.
Your doctor will advise the best way to treat you genital warts. This could be by cryotherapy (freezing) using a very fine liquid nitrogen applicator, burning or surgical excision.
Cryotherapy is our preferred method of treating warts, and causes minimal discomfort.
We are also able to offer topical cream or liquids which can be applied by one of our clinicians or can be taken home for you to apply yourself.
Our Patients Speak for Us
Jouko
I have only had good experiences visiting the Fleet Street Clinic for my vaccinations, and particularly appreciate the flexible, friendly, individualised, swift, efficient and effective service. Thank you all, and see you again soon.
Mrs L Butler
From the moment I arrived I was treated with care, kindness and respect. There was no waiting around, care was highly competent, reassuring and knowledgeable. I got everything I needed in 1 trouble free visit and left grateful for the service. I would definitely use again. The building is traditional, in an historic part of London, so if you are looking for gleaming chrome and plastic minimalist clinic aesthetic this isn’t you but the service and facilities are fully up to date.
Hareen De Silva
Fantastic front of house staff. Dr Levy was brilliant during my appointment. Nurse Chiara gave me my travel vaccinations and was extremely professional and knowledgeable.
Chris Starling
Always an excellent service whether on personal or business matter. The team go out of their way to be helpful and accommodate needs and treat each matter with importance whilst taking a pragmatic and responsive approach to situations to put patients first.
Jez John
I love this place; it's my go-to for vaccinations. Now they offer private COVID boosters even better—also much better availability than the high street chemist named after footwear. Everyone is so friendly and professional.
Nicola Mulgrew
We went to the clinic to get travel vaccines. We were on an incredibly tight schedule, only in London for the one day, and we were seen with no issues. Later, I ordered anti-malarials by email and received them the next day! Amazing service. Highly recommend.
Mark Tebbit
On repeated occasions over the last year, I have received A1 treatment from the Fleet Street Clinic. Short-notice appointments, face to face and on the phone, for emergency conditions and quick prescriptions from excellent doctors have helped me enormously. The Reception Team are also highly professional. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.
Mark A
My wife and I have attended the Fleet Street Clinic for many years now and found Dr Belinda Griffiths and her team exemplary in all departments. On the back of this I have recommended the clinic to all my family members and Senior Management team.
Grace G
The travel nurse was lovely and very efficient with giving me vaccines. She even took the time to nurse a wound I had whilst I was there. Really great care.
Geraldine
Great clinic with a very helpful team. The nurse explained each vaccine in detail which was very enlightening. I was seen on time and felt well looked after.
FAQs
No. You can book directly with us.
Genital warts can recur after treatment because the treatment only eradicates the symptoms of HPV, but not the HPV infection itself.
There is no cure for the HPV infection, you will still have the infection in your body despite any treatment you may have had for genital warts. The main way of clearing the infection is via a natural process, although it can be a chronic and long lasting infection for others.
No, genital warts are not cancerous and don not cause cancer.
HPV-related cancers are caused by a different strain of HPV.
The HPV vaccine protects against 9 strains of HPV, including strains which cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Vaccination is the best protection against HPV-related cancers and can be booked at Fleet Street Clinic privately.
For more information including how to book and the cost, visit our dedicated page on the HPV vaccine.
Yes, we offer the Gardasil 9 vaccine.
It protects against 9 HPV strains; types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 & 58.
Two strains of HPV, types 6 and 11, cause 90% of all genital wart cases.
For more information including how to book and the cost, visit our dedicated page on the HPV vaccine.
