Genital Warts: What They Look Like, Removal and Cost
Genital warts, condylomas, are growths on the skin and mucous membrane of the genitals and around the anus caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), most often the low-risk types 6 and 11. They are among the most common sexually transmitted infections, usually do not hurt and are not dangerous, but they spread, come back and pass to a partner, so they should be examined and removed. This article explains what genital warts look like, how they are passed on, how they are removed, what happens after removal and how much removal costs.
What genital warts look like
Genital warts are soft growths the color of skin, pink or greyish, single or grouped into a shape like a cauliflower, from the size of a dot to several millimeters and more. In women they appear on the labia, at the entrance to the vagina, on the cervix and around the anus, and in men on the penis, the scrotum and around the anus. They usually do not hurt, and they may itch or bleed with friction.
Not every growth is a genital wart. Pearly papules on the glans of the penis and Fordyce spots are normal structures that need no treatment, and soft skin growths and molluscum can look similar. That is why this is not treated from a picture on the internet but after an examination.
How they are passed on
- by contact of skin and mucous membrane during vaginal, anal and oral sex;
- a condom reduces but does not fully prevent transmission, because the virus can also be on skin the condom does not cover;
- from infection to the appearance of warts takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so it often cannot be said reliably where the infection came from;
- the virus can be present without any visible changes.
Genital warts and cervical cancer
The HPV types that cause genital warts are low-risk and do not cause cervical cancer. The same person may nevertheless also carry high-risk types, so women with genital warts are advised to have regular Pap tests and, at the gynecologist's discretion, HPV typing.
Ways of removing genital warts
| Method | How it is done |
|---|---|
| Removal in the consulting room | The lesions are removed under local anesthetic, by radiowave, electrocautery or laser. It removes visible lesions quickly, sometimes over several visits. |
| Freezing | The lesions are treated with liquid nitrogen. Several repeat sessions are usually needed. |
| Topical treatment prescribed by a doctor | The preparation is applied at home, as instructed. It takes weeks; it is not used on your own initiative. |
| Surgical removal | For large and numerous lesions. Done under local or short general anesthetic. |
After removal
- the treated area usually heals in one to two weeks;
- no sex until the skin has fully healed;
- a check-up after a few weeks, because new lesions most often appear in the first few months;
- an examination for the partner, even when there are no visible lesions;
- in women, a Pap test according to the gynecologist's plan.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types that most often cause genital warts and cervical cancer. It works best before the first contact with the virus, and whether it makes sense after an infection is something to discuss with your doctor.
What an appointment at Miren Medic looks like
Genital warts in women are examined and removed by a gynecologist, in men by a urologist or a dermatovenereologist, and warts around the anus by a proctologist. At the Miren Medic clinic genital warts are removed in the gynecology, urology and dermatology services. Gynecology appointments are held by Prof. Dr Snežana Rakić, Prim. Dr Radojka Cerović-Popović and Dr Miljan Čuljić, urology by Dr Aleksandar Lazić, dermatology by Dr Sandra Čađenović, specialist in dermatovenereology, and Dr Dušica Matović, and the proctology appointment by Dr med. Branimir Nešković. Removal in dermatology requires a sexually transmitted infection screen. The Pap test and HPV PCR are done in gynecology. All of it without a referral.
The cost of removing genital warts
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Removal of gynecological genital warts (I) | 8.000 RSD |
| Removal of gynecological genital warts (II) | 14.000 RSD |
| Removal of gynecological genital warts (III) | 20.000 RSD |
| Removal of genital warts, urology | 8.000 to 14.000 RSD |
| Removal of genital warts, dermatology (a sexually transmitted infection screen is required) | 6.000 to 12.000 RSD |
| HPV PCR | 10.000 RSD |
| Pap test | 2.000 RSD |
| Urology appointment (Dr Aleksandar Lazić) | 6.000 RSD |
| Dermatology appointment | 6.000 to 7.000 RSD |
Frequently asked questions
What do genital warts look like?
Like soft growths the color of skin, pink or greyish, single or in cauliflower-like groups, on the genitals or around the anus. Normal skin structures can look similar, so a growth should be shown to a doctor.
How much does removing genital warts cost?
At the Miren Medic clinic removal in dermatology costs from 6.000 to 12.000 RSD, in urology from 8.000 to 14.000 RSD, and removal of gynecological genital warts 8.000, 14.000 or 20.000 RSD, depending on the extent of the lesions.
Do genital warts go away on their own?
In some people they clear on their own over months, but they can also grow and spread, and while they are there they pass to a partner. That is why an examination and removal are recommended.
Do genital warts come back after removal?
In some people yes, most often in the first few months, because removal takes away the lesions and not the virus. Check-ups mean new lesions can be removed while they are still small.
Are genital warts dangerous?
Genital warts themselves do not turn into cancer, because they are caused by low-risk HPV types. The same person may also carry high-risk types, so regular Pap tests matter for women.
Does a condom protect against genital warts?
Partly. A condom significantly reduces the risk, but it does not cover all the skin the virus can be on, so it does not protect completely.
Book an appointment
If you have noticed a growth on the genitals or around the anus, book an appointment at the Miren Medic clinic. The examination, the diagnosis and the removal of genital warts are handled discreetly and without a referral.
