Anal warts (condyloma) are warts in and around your butthole. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes them. This virus spreads through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms include itching, bleeding or feeling a lump in your anus. Most anal warts need treatment with topical medication or surgery.
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Anal warts are soft, dome-shaped bumps that grow in or around your anus (butthole). They’re also known as condyloma. They can multiply quickly and form large, cauliflower-like clusters.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI), causes them. HPV warts can show up on other areas of your body, not just your anus.
You may not know that you have anal warts because they often don’t cause noticeable symptoms. You can spread HPV and anal warts even if you don’t realize you have them. This is why it’s important to get a medical evaluation if you’re at increased risk.
Not everyone has symptoms of anal warts. HPV may stay inactive (dormant) in your body and not cause any symptoms.
If you have symptoms, some common ones include:
See a healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms or if you may have been exposed to anal warts. It may be awkward to talk about, but your provider is there to help you, not judge you.
Low-risk HPV causes anal warts. HPV spreads from skin-to-skin contact, usually during sex.
There are several dozen strains of HPV. Most anal warts develop from HPV-6 and HPV-11. These strains aren’t usually associated with cancer.
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You’re at higher risk for anal warts if you have:
Possible complications of anal warts include:
Healthcare providers typically diagnose anal warts with a physical exam. They may do a biopsy if they’re unsure if it’s a wart or skin tag.
During an exam, your provider will look at the warts and inspect the skin around your anus and genitals. They may need to use a small tool called an anoscope to look inside your anus for warts. If you’re female, you may need a pelvic exam.
If the warts seem suspicious or don’t respond to treatment, your provider may suggest a biopsy if they didn’t do one before.
It’s important to tell your sexual partner(s) if you’re diagnosed with anal warts and HPV.
Anal warts need to be removed. They may spread to surrounding tissue or become larger without treatment.
Your healthcare provider can recommend the best way to remove the warts. Treatment options vary depending on the warts’ size and location. They include topical ointments, surgery or a combination of both.
Anal warts may go away without treatment if they’re small and your immune system fights off the virus. But, in most cases, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment.
You may only need a topical ointment if the anal warts are small and only on the skin around your anus. Ointments include:
If the warts are close to your anal opening, your provider may refer you to a gastroenterologist for different treatment. That’s because these medications can be corrosive and cause irritation.
Don’t use over-the-counter wart remover in your anal or genital area. These products aren’t designed for your anus or genitals.
Some topical treatments “freeze” or “burn” warts. Your healthcare provider applies these treatments. They include:
These treatments may cause minor side effects, like discomfort or swelling.
Surgery may be the best option to remove large anal warts or warts inside your rectum. One way providers do it is with electrocautery.
Depending on the severity, you may get local or general anesthesia. Your recovery time varies based on the extent of the procedure. Check with your surgeon to make sure you know what to expect afterward.
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Anal warts can come back. That’s because treatment can get rid of the warts, but it can’t cure them or HPV. You’ll always be infectious and need to practice safe sex with your partner(s). Your healthcare provider can discuss if follow-up appointments are necessary.
Some steps you can take to help prevent anal warts include:
Anal warts and HPV are common STIs. You may feel embarrassed to talk to your healthcare provider about these bumps or their symptoms. But try to remember that your provider is there to help you, not judge you. What’s most important is that you get the treatment and care you need. Once you know you have anal warts and HPV, you should tell your sexual partner(s).
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