Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
They are caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
On this page you will find information on:
General warts symptoms, testing and treatment
What to expect before, during, and after your appointment
Who this service is for
Our genital warts service is for anyone in Greater Glasgow and Clyde who needs treatment for genital warts.
Non-urgent advice: Waiting list information
What symptoms to look for
It can take a few weeks or months for genital warts to appear after becoming infected.
Genital warts are usually small, rough lumps on the skin and can appear around the vagina, penis or anus.
They may:
- appear on their own or in a group (groups of warts can look like a cauliflower)
- feel soft or firm
- be white, red, skin-coloured, or darker than the surrounding skin
They don’t usually cause symptoms but can sometimes be painful, itchy or bleed.
How genital warts are spread
You can get genital warts from skin-to-skin contact. This can include unprotected sex or sharing sex toys. It is advised to use condoms to prevent the spread of warts.
Testing for genital warts
There is no ‘test’ for genital warts, diagnosis is made through an examination of the genital area by a nurse or doctor.
We encourage everyone to test regularly for STIs as part of good sexual health. If you require testing for other infections while you are waiting for an appointment for genital warts you can book an ‘Express test – no talk’ appointment online, or order an at-home kit.
While these services are usually for people with no symptoms, they can be used by those awaiting wart treatments, so long as you don’t have any other symptoms.
To book testing for other STIs visit the service’s page.
Please note: The healthcare worker in Express/No Talk clinics will not be able to discuss or treat your genital warts.
Treatment
Treatment for genital warts is not always needed as they sometimes clear up on their own within 6 months. Treatment will be advised during your examination if it is required.
The type of treatment you’ll be offered depends on what your warts are like. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you.
Treatment options include:
- cream or liquid – can be applied by yourself, usually a few times a week for several weeks
- freezing (Cryotherapy) – done by a doctor or nurse with liquid nitrogen
- surgery – for removal, this is not done at the Sandyford, you will be referred to another service if this is required
Genital warts and pregnancy
Genital warts are not usually harmful during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, genital warts may:
- multiply and get bigger (they may be removed if they’re very big)
- become more easily irritated
- be passed on to the baby during childbirth, but this is very rare (the HPV virus can cause infection in the baby’s throat or genitals)
Most creams, liquids and ointments used to treat genital warts are not recommended during pregnancy. Freezing can be used but it’s not always successful.
Genital warts usually disappear on their own within 6 weeks after childbirth.
HPV and cancer
Genital warts are caused by a different strain of HPV that does not cause cancer.
HPV vaccination can protect against cervical cancer and also protects against genital warts. However, it doesn’t treat warts once you have them.
What to expect
Waiting for your appointment
We will invite you via SMS to book online for an appointment when you have reached the top of the waiting list (currently 3 to 6 months)
You can see your GP in the meantime if you have any issues or want to discuss starting treatment.
If the warts have resolved by the time you are invited to book an appointment online, you can simply ignore the SMS, there is no need to contact us.
Coming to Sandyford
Location
All first appointments are currently being held at Sandyford Central, if you require ongoing cryotherapy treatments this can sometimes be offered at our Paisley and Vale of Leven services. For directions and details, visit our Locations page.
Arriving
When you arrive, go to the reception desk. It is through the main doors, down a small flight of stairs and to your right. There is a lift if you prefer.
Waiting area and facilities
You’ll wait in the main waiting area in front of reception. Bathrooms are available nearby, just ask a member of staff.
Attending with children policy
If possible, please avoid bringing children to your appointment unless someone can stay with them in the waiting area. Consultations may involve sensitive questions about your sexual history and could include procedures in a medical setting that are not safe for unsupervised children. If we’re unable to carry out your appointment safely, we won’t be able to proceed. Thank you for your understanding.
During your appointment
Your appointment space
A member of staff will then come to take you to your appointment. Our appointment rooms are all private spaces to ensure confidentiality.
During the appointment
Your first appointment involves a full consultation where we will carry out an examination and offer you a sexual health screen. We will offer you treatment at this appointment if required, explaining all necessary steps.
Trainee members of staff
As a training centre, we may ask you if a trainee can sit in on your appointment. You will always be given the chance to say no to this request.
After your appointment
Usually warts resolve with the cream or liquid treatment provided, but some cases will require regular freezing (cryotherapy) treatment or other treatment. This may involve coming back every 1-2 weeks for treatment until resolved
Smokers often take longer to clear their warts and are more likely to experience warts coming back again in the future after they have cleared up. Get help to stop smoking at Stop Smoking Support – Quit your way – NHSGGC