Genital Warts (HPV)

Dealing with Genital Warts? Confidential & Effective Removal in Glasgow

Finding out you have genital warts can be worrying and bring up many questions. It’s important to know that genital warts are a common condition, and you are not alone. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, we provide discreet, professional, and effective genital warts care services in a supportive and confidential environment. Our experienced specialists are here to help you understand the condition and access the best possible treatment.

This page will guide you through what genital warts are, how they are transmitted, what they look like, and the advanced treatment options available to help you manage and get rid of genital warts.

Genital Warts
Genital Warts

Dealing with Genital Warts? Confidential & Effective Removal in Glasgow

Finding out you have genital warts can be worrying and bring up many questions. It’s important to know that genital warts are a common condition, and you are not alone. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, we provide discreet, professional, and effective genital warts care services in a supportive and confidential environment. Our experienced specialists are here to help you understand the condition and access the best possible treatment.

This page will guide you through what genital warts are, how they are transmitted, what they look like, and the advanced treatment options available to help you manage and get rid of genital warts.

What Are Genital Warts and How Do You Get Them?

Genital warts are small, fleshy growths, bumps, or skin changes that can appear on or around the genital or anal area. They are caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

How do you get genital warts? Genital warts are primarily spread through:

  • Skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the HPV virus, even if they don’t have visible warts.
  • Sharing sex toys.

It’s important to understand that HPV can be present even when there are no visible genital warts, making transmission possible without either partner knowing.

What Do Genital Warts Look Like?

Understanding what genital warts look like can help with early recognition, but professional diagnosis is crucial. The appearance can vary significantly:

  • Appearance: They can be flat or raised, single or multiple, small or large.
  • Texture: Some genital warts have a cauliflower-like appearance, while others may be smooth.
  • Colour: They are often skin-coloured but can also be slightly darker or lighter.
  • Location: In women, genital warts can appear on the vulva, cervix, inside the vagina, or around the anus. In men, they can be found on the penis, scrotum, thighs, or around the anus. Both men and women can also develop genital warts in the mouth or throat after oral sex with an infected person, though this is less common.
  • Symptoms: Often, genital warts cause no pain or discomfort, but some people may experience itching, bleeding, or irritation.

If you notice any unusual bumps or skin changes in your genital area, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Self-diagnosing based on pictures of what does genital warts look like can be misleading.

My Partner Has Genital Warts, Will I Get Them?

This is a common and understandable concern. If your partner has genital warts, there is a significant chance you may also contract HPV and potentially develop genital warts. However, it’s not guaranteed:

  • Transmission Risk: HPV is highly contagious through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
  • Condom Use: Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission but do not offer complete protection, as HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom.
  • Asymptomatic Infection: Your partner (or you) could have HPV without any visible genital warts.
  • Immune System: Not everyone exposed to the HPV strains that cause genital warts will develop them; your immune system plays a role.

Open communication with your partner and seeking medical advice are crucial. If your partner has genital warts, it’s advisable for you to also get checked.

Genital Warts

Do Genital Warts Go Away on Their Own?

Sometimes, genital warts can go away without any treatment, as the body’s immune system may clear the virus or suppress it. However:

  • Unpredictable: There’s no guarantee they will disappear on their own, and this can take months or even years.
  • Virus Persists: Even if visible genital warts clear, the HPV virus may still be present in the skin and can be transmitted to others, or warts may recur later.
  • Discomfort & Spread: Untreated genital warts can cause ongoing discomfort, grow larger, or spread.

Therefore, seeking treatment is often recommended to manage symptoms, reduce the risk of transmission, and for cosmetic and psychological well-being.

How to Get Rid of Genital Warts: Professional Treatment is Key

Many people search for solutions, even asking, “how I cured my genital warts.” While there isn’t a “cure” for the HPV virus itself (meaning it can remain dormant in the body), there are highly effective treatments to get rid of genital warts and manage outbreaks successfully.

It is strongly advised NOT to attempt to treat genital warts at home with over-the-counter wart removers meant for other parts of the body or unverified remedies. The genital area is extremely sensitive, and improper treatment can lead to pain, irritation, infection, and scarring.

At Harley Street Medics, our specialists offer several safe and effective professional treatments to remove genital warts:

  • Topical Creams or Solutions: Prescription medications (like imiquimod or podophyllotoxin) that you apply directly to the genital warts to stimulate the immune system or stop cell growth.
  • Cryotherapy: Freezing the genital warts with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fall off.
  • Electrosurgery/Excision: Burning off the genital warts with an electrical current or surgically cutting them out. This is often done under local anaesthesia.
  • Laser Therapy: May be used for extensive or stubborn genital warts (availability and suitability discussed during consultation).

The best treatment option for you will depend on the number, size, and location of the genital warts, as well as your preference and medical history. Our specialists will discuss this with you in detail.

Explore our confidential Genital Warts Removal services in Glasgow.

Your Patient Journey: Discreet & Supportive Care

From your initial confidential consultation to your treatment and follow-up, we aim to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Learn more about what to expect during your visit to Harley Street Medics.

Hear From Our Patients

Why Choose Harley Street Medics for Genital Warts Treatment in Glasgow?

At Harley Street Medics, we understand the sensitive nature of genital warts and are committed to providing:

  • Expert Medical Care: Our experienced Dermatologist, Dr. Vincent Kabeya, has extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating genital warts and other dermatological conditions. Our skilled Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib, can also be involved in specific removal cases requiring surgical expertise for optimal cosmetic outcomes.
  • Confidential & Discreet Service: Your privacy is paramount. We ensure a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
  • Personalised Treatment Plans: We tailor treatment to your individual needs for the best possible results.
  • Supportive Environment: We offer compassionate support and clear information throughout your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Genital Warts

Let’s address some more common queries:

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are skin growths in the genital or anal area caused by certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.

Genital warts can vary in appearance. They may be small, flat, or raised bumps; some are single, while others appear in clusters with a cauliflower-like texture. They are often skin-coloured. Professional diagnosis is essential as other conditions can look similar.

You primarily get genital warts through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with someone who has HPV, even if they don’t have visible warts

While there’s a high risk of contracting HPV if your partner has genital warts, it’s not guaranteed you will develop them. Using condoms can reduce the risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. It’s advisable for both partners to seek medical advice

Sometimes genital warts may clear up without treatment over months or years, but there’s no certainty. Even if they disappear, the HPV virus can remain in the body. Professional treatment is often recommended to remove visible warts and manage the condition

While there’s no cure for the HPV virus itself, there are highly effective medical treatments to get rid of genital warts (the visible growths). These include topical creams, cryotherapy, and surgical removal. Stories of “how I cured my genital warts” usually refer to successful clearance of the warts through treatment.

No, it is not recommended to treat genital warts at home using over-the-counter products not designed for the genital area or other home remedies. This can cause significant irritation, pain, infection, or scarring. Always seek professional medical treatment.

A dermatologist, like Dr. Vincent Kabeya at Harley Street Medics, or a doctor at a sexual health (GUM) clinic can diagnose and treat genital warts. In some cases, a plastic surgeon like Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib may be involved for specific removal techniques

Find Us in Glasgow

Address: 154 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4EX
Phone: 0141 488 8985
Email: hello@harleystreetmedics.clinic

Take Control: Book Your Confidential Consultation Today

If you suspect you have genital warts or have been diagnosed and are seeking treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Effective and compassionate care is available at Harley Street Medics in Glasgow.

Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and discuss your options to get rid of genital warts.