Conditions
Genital warts and HPV: what they are and what to do
Genital warts are caused by HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection: according to the CDC, nearly everyone who is not vaccinated gets HPV at some point, and 9 in 10 infections clear on their own within 2 years. In a discreet video visit, the doctor evaluates you and, if appropriate, prescribes a treatment or refers you to have the warts removed in person.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Severe lower belly pain with fever
- Sudden, severe pain or swelling in a testicle
- Sexual assault: go to the emergency room or call 911
- Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours: go to the ER to be evaluated for preventive treatment (PEP)
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At a glance
Genital warts (HPV)
Common symptoms
- Flesh-colored bumps, flat or raised
- Growths that look like the top of a cauliflower
- Itching or discomfort in the area, depending on size and location
- Other names
- HPV · Human papillomavirus · Condylomata acuminata
- Treatment
- Prescription cream or solution, only if appropriate; or removal in person
- Possible complication
- Some HPV types can cause cervical and other cancers
On this page(11)
What are HPV and genital warts?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a group of viruses passed on through intimate skin-to-skin contact. According to the CDC, nearly everyone who is not vaccinated gets it at some point, and most infections (9 in 10) clear on their own within 2 years without causing problems.
Some HPV types cause warts and others can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat. According to the CDC, about 90% of genital warts come from two types that do not cause cancer (6 and 11).
Genital warts symptoms: what they look like
Many people with HPV have no symptoms. Genital warts, according to MedlinePlus and the CDC, can be:
- Flesh-colored bumps, flat or raised
- Growths that look like the top of a cauliflower
- Warts on the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, groin, thighs or around the anus
- Itching or discomfort in the area, depending on size and location
How we care for you by video
You see Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician with several years of emergency-department experience. No judgment, in English or Spanish. Join from a private place; visits are not recorded.
According to the CDC, genital warts are diagnosed by looking at them; an HPV test does not confirm them. If the doctor needs to see them, it is done only through the secure visit link. Do not send photos by email or text message.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes a cream or solution you apply at home and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. If freezing (cryotherapy) or surgical removal is the better option, that is done in person and the doctor refers you. She can also give you a lab order for other STI tests. More on STI testing and treatment. If you also want a method to prevent pregnancy, ask about birth control online.
Your doctor
Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD
General practice physician
Several years of emergency-department experience.
Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative.
Your visit in 3 steps
Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text.
Request your visit.
Book a visit and choose "Doctor visit". You pay by card when you request it.
See the doctor by video.
We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
Get your plan.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy, or she refers you for in-person treatment.
Price
A doctor visit costs US$79, with no membership. You pay by card when you request the visit, and you get a full refund if the visit can’t take place. If the doctor orders tests, you pay the lab for them. See all prices.
Video visit
Doctor visit
US$79
For a new problem, urgent care (non-emergencies), primary care, children, birth control, STIs, skin and acne, and visitors. Includes a doctor's note if you need one.
- You’re charged when you request the visit.
- Full refund if the visit can’t take place
Genital warts treatment
According to the CDC, some treatments are prescription products you apply yourself at home, and others are done by a clinician in person, such as cryotherapy, surgery or an acid solution. The doctor explains which fits your case.
MedlinePlus warns that genital warts must be treated by a doctor: do not use over-the-counter products meant for other warts. If you have a common wart on your hands or feet, see warts.
Treatment removes the warts, not the virus. According to the CDC, genital warts often come back, especially in the first 3 months. If you are pregnant, tell the doctor: some treatments are not used in pregnancy.
Your partner and how to protect yourself
According to the CDC, current partners should know you have genital warts, because the HPV types that cause them can be passed on. The doctor helps you plan how to tell them. According to MedlinePlus, the virus can spread even when you cannot see warts, and condoms help but do not fully protect, because the virus can be on nearby skin.
The HPV vaccine. The CDC recommends it at age 11 or 12 (it can start at 9) and for everyone through age 26 who was not vaccinated in time. From 27 to 45, some adults decide to get it after talking with their doctor. It is given at your doctor’s office, pharmacies, community health centers and the Department of Health; the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program gives it at no cost to children who qualify.
HPV and the Pap test
According to the CDC, women start Pap tests at age 21, and MedlinePlus recommends routine Pap tests if you have had genital warts. A Pap test is done in person with your gynecologist. If you had an abnormal Pap or HPV test result, the doctor explains it and refers you to gynecology for follow-up.
If you are under 21
If you are under 21, a parent or legal guardian must sign the consent, stay on camera for the whole visit and show photo ID.
When to go to the ER
For your safety, go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have any of these signs. See when to go to the ER.
- Severe lower belly pain with fever
- Sudden, severe pain or swelling in a testicle
- Sexual assault
- Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, to be evaluated for preventive treatment (PEP)
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Can HPV be cured?
Can you prescribe genital warts treatment by video?
Can I use an over-the-counter wart remover?
Until what age can I get the HPV vaccine?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-10-02 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (6)
- CDC: About HPV (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- CDC: Anogenital Warts, STI Treatment Guidelines 2021 (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Genital warts (MedlinePlus, NIH) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- CDC: HPV Vaccine (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- CDC: HPV Vaccination Considerations (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- CDC: Cervical Cancer Screening (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)