Warts on Penis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Warts on the penis are small growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly types 6 and 11. These lesions usually appear on the glans of the penis and may look skin-colored, flat, or cauliflower-like.

Warts on the penis are typically transmitted through sexual contact, especially during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The virus infects the skin and mucous membranes and can cause one or multiple genital lesions.

Treatment focuses on removing visible lesions and reducing the risk of transmission. Common options include topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgery depending on the size and location of the warts.

What causes warts on the penis?

Warts on the penis are most often caused by a sexually transmitted infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV types 6 and 11 are the strains most commonly responsible for genital warts.

This virus affects the skin and mucous membranes, leading to one or more lesions that usually appear in the genital area, particularly on the glans (head) of the penis.

Signs and symptoms 

Common signs and symptoms of penile warts include:

• Small, raised bumps usually less than 5 mm in diameter.

• Growths that match the skin color or appear slightly darker.

• Flat or cauliflower-shaped lesions.

• Itching, redness, or irritation in the affected area.

• A burning sensation or general discomfort.

• Occasional bleeding from the lesion without obvious cause.

Although genital warts most often appear on the head (glans) of the penis, they can also develop on the scrotum. In most cases, penile warts do not cause other physical symptoms but may lead to psychological distress.

It’s important to note that these lesions can appear anywhere from 2 months to 20 years after the initial infection and are typically not painful.

Transmission and spread

Warts on the penis are transmitted through direct contact with active lesions, most often during unprotected sexual activity. Transmission can occur through oral, anal, or vaginal contact, and even without penetration.

Although less common, genital warts may also spread through shared items such as sex toys, underwear, towels, bathtubs, or toilet seats.

Other factors that increase your chances of contracting penile warts include: 

• Having more than one sexual partner.
• Having another STI.
• Having sex with a partner without knowing their health history. 

People with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, those taking immunosuppressant medications, or people living with HIV, are at higher risk of developing warts.

Confirming a diagnosis

A urologist should diagnose penile warts by assessing the patient’s symptoms, examining the lesions, and reviewing the individual’s medical history.

The provider may also request additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as blood work, a swab culture, or a peniscopy, which uses a microscope to detect very small penile lesions.

Treatment options 

HPV can only be completely cleared when the body’s immune system is able to control and eliminate the virus on its own. However, certain HPV treatments can help remove visible warts and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

The choice of treatment for genital warts depends on the size and location of the lesions. According to the CDC, treatment for anogenital warts is aimed at removing visible warts, and options may include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), surgical removal, laser therapy, or a combination of these methods.

1. Medication

Topical treatments such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), podophyllum, and interferon may be prescribed to help boost the immune response and reduce the spread of HPV.

Some creams, like imiquimod, can be applied at home to the affected areas on alternate days for about 16 weeks. Another option is podophyllotoxin, which is typically applied twice a day to the lesions for three consecutive days.

2. Laser therapy

This treatment uses an intense light beam to destroy the blood vessels that supply the wart, reducing its blood flow. As a result, the cells within the wart die more quickly, helping remove warts from the penis.

3. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses cold liquid nitrogen applied directly to the lesions, reducing blood flow and destroying the affected cells.

4. Surgery

This procedure is recommended only when the wart needs to be removed for further examination. It may also be advised for individuals who have multiple lesions or large warts that do not respond to other treatments.