Genital warts are growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that appear on the skin in the genital or anal area. These growths are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, typically caused by low-risk HPV strains like types 6 and 11. While the physical presence of the warts is a primary concern, many people worry about whether these lesions cause a noticeable odor. Addressing this requires understanding the difference between the viral growth and potential co-existing conditions that affect the genital environment.
Are Genital Warts Odorless?
Genital warts, which are benign skin tumors, do not inherently produce a smell. The wart tissue is simply an overgrowth of skin cells caused by the HPV virus and does not generate the compounds associated with body odors.
If an unpleasant smell is noticed, the source is almost certainly external to the wart tissue itself. The odor is not a symptom of the HPV infection but rather a sign of a secondary issue occurring in the same location.
The presence of the warts can sometimes contribute indirectly to odor by altering the local environment. Because the lesions create new folds or bumps on the skin, they can trap moisture, sweat, and natural secretions. This moist, warm environment becomes a favorable breeding ground for odor-causing microorganisms, which is the source of the noticeable smell.
Secondary Infections and Other Causes of Odor
When an odor is detected alongside genital warts, it usually indicates a localized bacterial or fungal overgrowth. The physical structure of the warts, especially if they are large, makes the area difficult to keep clean and dry. This leads to a buildup of secretions and poor ventilation, allowing bacteria to flourish.
A secondary bacterial infection of the wart itself is a common cause of odor. If the wart is irritated, scratched, or rubbed—such as by clothing or sexual activity—the skin surface may break, creating an entry point for bacteria. This localized infection can result in discharge, inflammation, and a foul smell, signaling the need for medical attention.
The odor may also stem from co-existing infections common in the genital area. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, produces a distinct, often “fishy,” odor due to the release of amines. Yeast infections, caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, can also produce a noticeable, sometimes yeasty smell. Since HPV is transmitted sexually, the presence of warts may coincide with other sexually transmitted infections that cause odor and discharge.
Treatment and Medical Guidance for Warts and Odor
Addressing the odor associated with genital warts requires identifying and treating the underlying cause, usually a secondary infection. A healthcare provider will perform an examination and may take swabs to diagnose a bacterial or yeast infection. Treatment for these co-existing conditions, such as oral antibiotics for BV or antifungal medication, often resolves the odor quickly.
Treatment for the genital warts themselves can also resolve the odor by removing the physical structures that harbor bacteria. Common treatments include topical prescription medications like imiquimod, which boosts the immune response, or podofilox, which destroys the wart tissue. These medications are applied directly to the warts over a period of weeks.
Procedural Treatments
For larger or persistent warts, a clinician may recommend procedural treatments performed in the office. These can include cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the wart, or surgical excision to physically remove the growth. The removal of the wart eliminates the sheltered, moist environment where odor-causing bacteria thrive.
Regardless of whether an odor is present, it is important to seek medical guidance for any suspicious genital growths. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the warts, determine the source of any accompanying odor, and create a comprehensive treatment plan.