Genital Warts Cryotherapy

Genital warts are small, flesh-coloured or grey growths that appear on or around the genitals and anus. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically strains 6 and 11, which together account for around 90% of genital wart cases. Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK, spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact including vaginal, anal and occasionally oral sex.

Although genital warts are not dangerous in themselves, they can cause significant distress and anxiety. The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are different from the high-risk strains linked to cervical and other genital cancers, which are checked for through routine cervical screening. Early assessment, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are therefore important, and our GP team provides discreet, non-judgemental care.

Genital warts are usually diagnosed through a visual examination by a GP or sexual health clinician. In most cases no additional tests are required — a trained clinician can identify warts by their characteristic appearance. They most commonly appear on the penis, scrotum, vulva, vaginal walls, cervix, anus, or the skin around the groin.

Our GP will take a thorough sexual health history and carry out a careful physical examination in a private, comfortable setting. If there is any diagnostic uncertainty, or a coexisting infection is suspected, further swabs or blood tests may be recommended, and we advise a full STI screen (billed separately). For women, a cervical smear may also be recommended if one is overdue.

We offer cryotherapy for the treatment of genital warts. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the wart tissue, and is one of the most effective in-clinic treatments available. Each session costs £150, and most patients require between one and four sessions depending on the size and number of warts.

During a session, liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the warts using a spray or probe, causing the tissue to freeze and blister before falling away. The procedure takes around 15–30 minutes and is carried out at the City of London clinic. Most patients tolerate it well, with only mild discomfort during and shortly after treatment.

Genital warts can affect anyone who is sexually active, but certain factors increase the likelihood of acquiring HPV. Having multiple sexual partners raises the risk of exposure. Inconsistent or absent condom use also increases risk, as does a weakened immune system — whether due to HIV, immunosuppressant medication or chronic stress. Smoking can impair the body's ability to suppress HPV, making outbreaks more likely.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading genital warts: use condoms consistently during sexual activity; get vaccinated against HPV if you haven't already; limit the number of sexual partners; inform partners if you have been diagnosed; avoid sexual contact during active outbreaks; attend regular sexual health screenings; maintain a healthy immune system through good nutrition and sleep; and avoid smoking.

If you would like to learn about prevention, you can explore our HPV vaccination service, which protects against the strains of HPV responsible for most genital warts. Whether vaccination is suitable for you is a personal decision, so please discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.