Talking About “Genital Warts” with Your Partner This Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love, romance, and meaningful connections. But while we’re planning a perfect date, there’s one important topic that is often ignored - “sexual health”.

Let’s Be Real! Intimacy comes with responsibility. And one of the most common yet rarely talked about STIs? Genital warts. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that millions of people carry without even knowing it. 

But because of stigma and misinformation, a conversation about STIs rarely happens. It’s time to change that. 

If you want to learn about skin issues caused by HPV, we have a detailed video on 'HPV Warts Caused by Swimming Pools’ Click here to watch!

Let’s talk openly, break the silence, and spread awareness, because love should always come with knowledge and care. 

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are small, flesh-colored or gray growths that develop in the genital and anal areas, including the vaginal area in women. 

In the first stage of genital warts, they usually appear as painless bumps that gradually grow larger. Some remain tiny, while others cluster together, forming a cauliflower-like shape.

Common genital warts symptoms include itching, discomfort, and irritation, though they aren’t always painful. In some cases, warts take months or even years to appear, making it difficult to determine the exact genital warts cause or when the infection happened. 

Genital warts for men often develop on the penis, scrotum, groin, thighs, or around the anus, while for women, they may appear inside or outside the vagina. 

How Common Are Genital Warts?

Do you think STIs are rare? Think again. HPV is the most widespread STI worldwide, and the surprising part? Many people don’t even know they have it.

• Studies show that nearly 80% of HPV cases occur between the ages of 17 and 33, with the highest rates seen in young adults aged 20 to 24.

• In India, HPV-related conditions like genital warts are diagnosed in 2% to 25% of individuals visiting STI clinics. 

• A 2018 study estimated that 1.07% of the population in India has genital warts, with men being more affected than women.

• But HPV isn’t just about warts, it’s also a major health concern due to its strong link to cervical cancer. According to WHO (2022), HPV causes nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, highlighting the importance of prevention, vaccination, and regular screenings.

“Yet, despite these alarming statistics, genital warts are often ignored, mostly because of social stigma and lack of awareness.”

Why Are Cases Rising Among Young Adults?

In recent years, genital warts have surged among young people. Several social and behavioral factors contribute to this:

• Dating apps and hookup culture have increased casual encounters, leading to higher exposure.

• Missed HPV vaccinations and stayed unprotected.

• Lack of sexual health education means many aren’t aware of the risks.

• Stigma and healthcare costs often prevent people from seeking medical help.

The combination of these factors has contributed to a steady rise in HPV infections and genital warts among young adults. 

If you're experiencing persistence HPV Warts on Hands, we have a video explaining the reasons. Click here to watch and learn more!

Why Do People Get Genital Warts?

Certain factors increase the risk of contracting HPV:

1.  Unprotected Sex – HPV spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact. (Study)

2.  Multiple Partners – The more partners, the higher the risk (Journal of Medical Chemistry, 2023).

3. Weakened Immune System – Stress and poor health make you more vulnerable (Arch Dermatol, 1997).

4. Lack of Vaccination – Many skip this crucial prevention step

5.  Smoking & Alcohol – Weaken the immune system, increasing HPV risk (Study). 

Genital Warts Treatment Options:

Although there’s no permanent cure for HPV, several treatment options can effectively manage genital warts and reduce discomfort. Many times, these warts go away on their own but they can come back again. But in some cases these warts need to be treated. 

Here are the most common approaches:

• Topical Treatments – Prescription creams, gels, and ointments that gradually shrink warts over time. (Source)

• Cryotherapy – Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen, causing them to blister and fall off. 

• Electrocautery – Using electrical currents to burn off warts, typically done in a medical setting.

• Laser or Photodynamic Therapy – A targeted approach for stubborn warts that don’t respond to other treatments.

• Surgical Removal – Used in severe cases where warts are large, persistent, or causing significant discomfort. 

Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Genital Warts:

1. Get Vaccinated – There are vaccines which are proven to  protect against HPV 6 & 11. Research says that HPV vaccination could reduce genital warts by 90% in young adults, according to research by Garland et al. (2009). (Source)

2. Use of condoms – Condoms lower the risk of transmission but aren’t 100% effective.

3.  Regular Screenings – Routine check-ups help with early detection.

4.  Boost Immunity – A healthy lifestyle strengthens defenses against viruses.

Breaking the Stigma

For many, the biggest challenge with genital warts isn’t the infection itself—it’s the lack of awareness. HPV is incredibly common, yet many people hesitate to seek help or talk about it. But understanding your health is the first step toward taking control.

If you’re sexually active, you’ve likely encountered HPV in some way. The good news? With regular check-ups, education, and preventive care, you can manage your health confidently. The more we discuss, the easier it gets for everyone to make informed choices.

Conclusion: 

Prioritize Your Health This Valentine’s Day

Love goes beyond romance, it’s about trust, care, and taking responsibility for your well-being and that of your partner. 

If you notice any signs of genital warts or have concerns about HPV, reaching out to a healthcare provider is a proactive step toward a healthier future.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s make open conversations about sexual health a norm. Because true love isn’t just about passion, it’s about protecting and respecting each other.

Looking for more information? Visit SkinBB Community, where dermatologists are ready to assist you. Don’t stay quiet, let’s talk about it. 

References

1. Busza J, Hawkes S. Genital warts and cervical cancer: human papillomavirus infection in developing countries. Sex Transm Infect. 1999;75(6):377-381.

2. Roden R, Wu TC. How will HPV vaccines affect cervical cancer? Nat Rev Cancer. 2006;6(10):753-763.

3. World Health Organization. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Geneva: WHO; 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer

4. Pandey S, Shekhar S, Sharma P, Sinha S. Prevalence of genital warts among sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees in India: A cross-sectional study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2018;84(3):352-357.

5. Hocking JS, Stein A, Conway EL, Regan D, Grulich A, Law M, et al. The impact of smoking on HPV infection and disease: A review of the literature. Sex Transm Infect. 2009;85(6):435-440. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/sti.2009.038273

6. Unprotected Sex – HPV spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1258/0956462021924992

7. Multiple Partners – The more partners, the higher the risk. Journal of Medical Chemistry. 2023

8. Weakened Immune System – Stress and poor health make you more vulnerable. Arch Dermatol. 1997.