References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
If you have cauliflower-shaped growths on your genitals, they’re almost certainly genital warts. Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), usually types 6 and 11. They’re one of the most common STIs in the UK and are treatable, though the virus itself can’t be cured.
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What Do Genital Warts Look Like?
- Flesh-coloured or slightly grey growths
- Can be flat, raised, or have a rough, cauliflower-like texture
- May appear as a single wart or in clusters
- Size ranges from 1mm to several centimetres
- Found on the penis, vulva, vagina, anus, upper thighs, or groin
- Usually painless, though they may itch
Treatment
Genital warts are treated but HPV cannot be eliminated from the body. The immune system usually clears the virus within 1-2 years. Treatments include:
- Warticon (podophyllotoxin) — applied at home, 3 days on, 4 days off
- Aldara (imiquimod) — applied 3x weekly, boosts immune response
- Condyline — podophyllotoxin solution
- Clinical removal: freezing (cryotherapy), burning, or surgical excision
Recurrence after treatment is common (30-40%) because the virus persists in surrounding skin. Most people eventually clear HPV and stop getting warts.
Read more: Complete genital warts guide | What is HPV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cauliflower bumps always genital warts?
In the genital area, cauliflower-textured growths are almost always HPV warts. Very rarely, other conditions (seborrhoeic keratoses, skin tags) can look similar. A sexual health clinician can diagnose visually.
Can genital warts turn into cancer?
The HPV strains causing warts (6 and 11) are low-risk and almost never cause cancer. High-risk HPV strains (16 and 18) cause cervical and other cancers but typically don’t cause visible warts. Having warts does not mean you’ll get cancer.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
