What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts grow on and around the penis, scrotum, vagina or anus. The warts often grow in clusters and can vary in colour from pinkish-red to greyish-white, and can look like cauliflower. The warts may cause itching, pain or a burning sensation. Sometimes a person may also have vaginal discharge or discharge from the urethra.

Who can become very ill from genital warts?

People with impaired immunity could become more seriously ill from genital warts. They can develop numerous warts that become very large. This sometimes also happens in people who are pregnant.

How do genital warts spread?

People can infect each other. This happens primarily through sexual activity, such as by touching the genital warts of an infected person. The risk of transmission is especially high if the skin that comes into connection with the warts has been damaged (such as a minor cut or scrape). But a person can also contract genital warts by using the same towel as someone with genital warts. However, this is much less likely.

After infection, it takes one to eight months for someone to develop genital warts. It usually takes three months.

There are many different types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The symptoms depend on the type of virus. Some people carry the virus without even knowing it. Other types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. There is no correlation between genital warts and cervical cancer.

How can I prevent genital warts?

There is a vaccine against genital warts. This vaccine also protects against a number of types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. More information about HPV and the vaccine is available on the RIVM page about HPV.

Condoms only offer partial protection against an infection with genital warts, because you can also get warts yourself by touching someone else’s warts.

Is there any treatment for genital warts?

90% of the warts disappear on their own within two years. You will only be treated if you have severe symptoms. The treatment consists of applying an ointment or liquid to the warts. It is also possible to have the genital warts removed by a doctor. After treatment, the warts may come back.

How common are genital warts in the Netherlands?

Genital warts are found worldwide. It is the most common STI caused by a virus. It is slightly more common among men than women. In 2023, an estimated 48,600 people in the Netherlands were told by their GP that they had genital warts. People who get tested for STIs at a Sexual Health Centre are not routinely screened for genital warts.