When it comes to sexually transmitted infections, genital warts remain one of the least discussed yet most common—and misunderstood—conditions among men. Caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts are greyish or whitish growths that appear on the penis, scrotum, groin, or around the anus.
Wearing condoms, while crucial, may not protect you against genital warts.
“They are spread through skin-to-skin contact,” explains Dr Muigai Mararo, a consultant urologist. “Condoms reduce the risk of HPV transmission but cannot eliminate it entirely.”
Genital warts are primarily linked to HPV genotypes 6 and 11, which are classified as low-risk for cancer. However, Dr Mararo warns that co-infections with high-risk HPV types can cause cervical, anal, and even throat and mouth cancers.
“Warts themselves are not cancerous,” he says. “But in people with weakened immune systems, the risk of transformation to cancer is there.”
Three weeks to eight months
HPV is notoriously stealthy. HPV has over 200 documented strains, but HPV genotypes 6 and 11 are known to cause genital warts.
Most people infected never show symptoms but can still transmit the virus. The incubation period—the time between infection and the appearance of genital warts—can range from three weeks to eight months.
“Whether or not warts appear depends on your immune system. Many HPV-positive men never develop visible signs,” he says.
Only about one percent of sexually active men have visible genital warts, with peak onset between the ages of 18 and 28. However, lifetime risk is estimated at 10 percent.
Dr Mararo says those at risk are men having unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, uncircumcised men, men with a history of STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia, HIV-positive or immunosuppressed men, and men who smoke or live with diabetes.
“These factors weaken the body’s ability to fight off HPV, making it easier for warts to develop,” he says.
Warts are typically diagnosed via a visual exam. They often resemble cauliflower-like growths. If uncertain, a biopsy may be required.
Treatment varies based on their size, where they are located, and patient preference. Options include prescription creams, freezing the warts, burning them, or surgical excision.
Dr Mararo cautions against self-treatment with over-the-counter wart removers, as they may misdiagnose or damage healthy tissue. “You might not even have warts—it could be something else entirely.”
“Yes,” says Dr Mararo. “Warts can recur due to persistent HPV or lowered immunity. Regular follow-ups are important.”
Men with visible genital warts or those that are not visible can transmit the virus to a female through any form of sexual activity.
Vaccination remains one of the best defenses. While ideally administered before sexual debut, sexually active men can still benefit from the HPV vaccine, which protects against future infections.
In addition to vaccination, men can lower their risk by using condoms consistently, reducing the number of sexual partners, and practicing mutual monogamy.
“HPV may be common, but it doesn’t have to define your sexual health,” says Dr Mararo.
