Av. de los Tules 168, Las Aralias, Puerto Vallarta
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Key points
Key points- Genital warts in men are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear as skin growths in the genital, anal, or perianal area.
- In many cases they do not hurt, but their presence indicates an active infection that should be evaluated by a specialist.
- Diagnosis requires a physical examination, because there is no blood test that directly detects HPV.
- Treatments aim to remove visible lesions; the virus can remain in the skin, and warts can come back.
- The choice between electrosurgery, cryotherapy, topical treatments, or laser is made with the specialist, based on each patient.
What are genital warts and why do they appear?
Genital warts in men are skin growths in the genital, anal, or perianal area, and their direct cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are one of the most frequent manifestations of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and vary in size, shape, and number.
HPV is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted viruses in the world. It is estimated that most sexually active people contract it at some point in their lives, though not everyone develops visible warts.
In men, the virus can remain silent for weeks or months before showing up. That makes it possible to pass it on without knowing you have it.
What do genital warts look like in men?
Genital warts can take different forms, which sometimes makes them hard to recognize with the naked eye.
Flat warts
Small, smooth-surfaced, and difficult to detect without a medical exam.
Exophytic or acuminate warts
Cauliflower-shaped, larger, and more visible.
Papular warts
Rounded, rough-surfaced, and appearing in clusters.
Macules
Flat, nearly invisible spots that can usually only be detected with magnification techniques.
Where they most often appear
The most common areas in men are the glans, the foreskin, the shaft of the penis, the scrotum, the perianal area, and the inside of the urethra.
Internal warts, especially those in the urethra, can go unnoticed for a long time and show up only through symptoms such as burning during urination or unusual discharge.
Symptoms associated with genital warts
In most men, genital warts cause no symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, depending on their location and size, they may cause:
Itching or burning
In the genital area.
Light bleeding
During or after sexual intercourse.
Burning or difficulty urinating
If there are warts in the urethra.
Discomfort or sensitivity
In the affected area.
Bump or irregularity
A feeling of a bump or irregularity on the genital skin.
How HPV is transmitted
HPV is transmitted primarily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
Condom use reduces the risk but does not completely eliminate the possibility of transmission, since the virus can be present in areas a condom does not cover.
HPV does not distinguish between lifestyles: any sexually active man is exposed.
Causes and risk factors for HPV in men
Factors that increase the risk of developing genital warts include:
Number of partners
Having multiple sexual partners.
Barrier protection
Not using it consistently.
Weakened immune system
From illness, chronic stress, or immunosuppressive medications.
Start of sexual activity
Starting at an early age.
Other infections
Having a history of other sexually transmitted infections.
Smoking
Smoking is associated with a less effective immune response against HPV.
Diagnosis of genital warts in men
Diagnosis is primarily clinical: the specialist identifies the warts during a physical exam. When lesions are small, flat, or internal, supporting techniques may be used:
Acetic acid
Its application makes subclinical lesions visible.
Urethroscopy
When urethral involvement is suspected.
Biopsy
In atypical or diagnostically difficult cases.
HPV typing
By PCR, to identify high- or low-risk oncogenic strains.
Is there a blood test that detects HPV?
There is no blood test that directly detects HPV, so diagnosis requires a physical exam by a specialist. If you notice any change in your genital skin, even one that seems minor, the prudent step is to see a urologist.
The goal of treating genital warts
The goal of treatment is to remove visible lesions and help lower the presence of the virus in the affected area and the risk of transmission. No treatment eliminates HPV from the body, but its manifestations can be controlled.
Treatment of genital warts: available options
These are the options most commonly used in urological practice. The right option is chosen with the specialist, based on the number, size, and location of the lesions.
Electrosurgery
Destroys wart tissue with high-frequency electric current, generally under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Allows several lesions to be treated in one session. Recovery and scarring vary from patient to patient.
Cryotherapy
Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy warts. It is used for small external lesions and may require several sessions.
Topical treatments
Creams and topical solutions, such as imiquimod or trichloroacetic acid, for accessible, small lesions. They require regular application over several weeks, under medical direction; effectiveness varies with immune response.
Laser surgery
Reserved for extensive or hard-to-reach cases. It offers high precision and requires specialized equipment.
Why can genital warts come back?
HPV has the ability to reactivate. Even after treatment, the virus can remain dormant in the surrounding skin and cause new lesions weeks or months later.
To help control the infection over the long term, these measures may help: keeping your immune system strong, avoiding tobacco, reducing chronic stress, and having regular check-ups with the specialist.
When to see a specialist
- You notice any change, lump, or irregularity in the skin of the penis, the scrotum, or the perianal area.
- You have burning, itching, or bleeding in the genital area with no apparent cause.
- Your partner has been diagnosed with HPV or genital warts.
- You had a risky sexual encounter and want a preventive evaluation.
- You were previously treated for warts and notice they have returned.
Book an evaluationCare for genital warts in Puerto Vallarta
Dr. Bricio treats genital warts in Puerto Vallarta, seeing both local patients and men who travel from the United States and Canada. The consultation includes a full physical exam, an assessment of the extent of the lesions, and a treatment plan for each patient.
Genital warts in men can be treated and managed when they are addressed promptly with a specialist. HPV requires attention, follow-up, and responsibility. If you notice anything unusual in your genital area, have it evaluated by a specialist: a timely consultation can make treatment easier.
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