Genital Warts vs. Herpes: How Do I Know the Difference?
Medically reviewed and edited by Highlights
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Genital warts and genital herpes are similar conditions and can be difficult to differentiate.
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There is no cure for either condition, but vaccines and treatments are available. That being said, if left untreated, both conditions can result in serious complications.
What are Genital Warts?
Also known as condyloma acuminatum, genital warts are firm, skin-colored growths that occur in the genital region.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can also cause warts on the hands, feet, eyelids, or any part of the body, depending on the site of infection.
Genital warts are typically caused by HPV 6 and 11.
HPV and cancer
HPV is responsible for many types of cancers including cervical, penile, and vaginal.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 95% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
The Gardasil® 9 vaccine is FDA-approved and protects against HPV 6,11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 which can cause cancer. Cervarix® is an FDA-approved alternative to Gardasil® 9 and it protects against HPV 16 and 18.
What is Herpes?
Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) characterized by a painful, red blistering rash occurring around the oral, anal, and genital areas.
Like genital warts, herpes is incurable; however, it is not associated with cancers.
Key Point: Genital Warts and Herpes: How Common are These Conditions?
Before HPV vaccination programs started, between 340,000 to 360,000 people were infected with HPV yearly.
It is estimated that one in every 100 sexually active adults in the U.S. has genital warts at any given time.
Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that the U.S. has 572,000 genital herpes infections each year. Oral herpes is far more common, with 50-80% of Americans being affected.
How Do I Know if I Have Genital Warts or Herpes?
It can sometimes be tricky to tell warts and genital herpes apart as they occur in the same region.
Only a doctor will be able to accurately diagnose sexually transmitted infections, but there are some differences in symptoms that can help you figure out which condition you have.
Symptoms of Genital Warts | Symptoms of Herpes |
|---|---|
Genital warts may have a cauliflower-like texture and appearance or be so tiny that they’re not visible to the naked eye. | The herpes simplex virus may or may not result in symptoms. It is possible to have herpes and be asymptomatic. |
Warts can be various sizes, shapes, and colors. | Herpes may cause painful blisters filled with fluid that appear on or near the genitals, inner thighs, or anus. |
In men, genital warts may appear on or around the penis, scrotum, thighs, anus, buttocks, or groin. | Genital lesions may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. |
In women, genital warts may appear on or around the cervix, vagina, or anus, and they may experience itching, bleeding, or burning sensations, as well as vaginal discharge. | If herpes is spread through oral sex, blisters may occur around the mouth and face. |
Is Herpes Worse than HPV?
Herpes and HPV are caused by different viruses and each condition has varying complications.
While HPV has the potential to cause various cancers, HSV-2 — the cause of genital herpes — may result in rare infections such as meningoencephalitis (brain infection). HSV generally causes severe pain and is not vaccine-preventable.
Both herpes and HPV are incurable conditions that have the potential to cause life-threatening diseases.
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Genital Warts vs. Herpes: Treatments
Genital herpes and genital warts require different treatments, so it’s essential to know which condition you have to find the correct medication or therapies.
Treatments for genital warts
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent genital warts and cancers associated with them, but there are also various ways to remove warts, including:
Immune-response modifiers, such as imiquimod cream (Aldara ®)
Cryotherapy: Freezing the warts
Surgical excision: Removing the warts under local anesthesia
Laser ablation: Laser wart removal
Electrocautery: Also called “LEEP” (loop electrical excision procedure)
Podofilox cream
Even after the warts are removed, you may still need treatment for complications that could arise from genital warts, such as certain cancers.
Treatments for herpes
Herpes treatment typically targets blisters, decreases the infectiousness of the disease, and prevents further outbreaks.
Treatments include topical, oral, or intravenous therapies. In cases where life-threatening HSV infections are present, IVI antiviral therapy is required.
Where Can I Learn More About Genital Warts and Herpes?
Genital warts and herpes are sexually transmitted infections that can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life, but it doesn’t have to be this way. LifeMD can help.
Book your consultation with a trained health care professional from the comfort of your home today.
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