Genital/Anal Warts
Genital warts usually form as small, rough lumps on the skin. They appear on the vagina, penis, around the anus, or the skin in between. Warts may appear alone or in clusters. They rarely cause symptoms, but they can sometimes be painful, itchy, or bleed. The human papilloma virus (HPV) causes genital warts, which are classified as a sexually transmitted infection.
For more information on genital/anal warts, visit the NHS anal warts page.
Treatment
Anal warts can spread and grow if left untreated. In rare cases, they may lead to anal cancer. That is why treatment is recommended.
Topical treatments
Topical treatments can “freeze” or “burn” warts. These treatments may cause minor side effects, such as discomfort or swelling.
- Liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy): When liquid nitrogen is applied, it freezes the skin, causing the warts to fall off.
- Trichloroacetic acid: Acid is applied to the warts, destroying and breaking down the warts.
- Electrocautery: A procedure that uses heat to burn off the warts.
Surgery
Surgery may be the best option to remove large anal warts or warts inside your rectum. The surgeon removes the warts by cutting them out. You can have this procedure at an outpatient facility and recover at home afterward.