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Genital Warts (Condyloma): Care in English near Seongsu Station

What are genital warts?

Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) are growths on the skin of the genital or anal area. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), most often HPV types 6 and 11. These are called “low-risk” types because they do not cause cervical cancer. Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

What do genital warts look like?

• Small, soft bumps that are skin-colored, pink, or slightly darker
• Flat, raised, or cauliflower-shaped growths, alone or in groups
• Found on the vulva, around the vaginal opening, inside the vagina, on the cervix, or around the anus
• Usually not painful, but sometimes itchy or irritated, and may bleed with friction

Some normal skin features, such as small bumps on the inner labia (vestibular papillae), can look similar. An examination can tell the difference.

What causes genital warts?

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin genital contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Condoms lower the risk but do not cover all skin. Warts may appear weeks to months after contact, so it is often not possible to know when or from whom the infection came. Many people carry HPV without ever developing warts.

When should I see a doctor?

See a gynecologist if you notice new bumps, growths, or skin changes in the genital area, if warts are growing or bleeding, or if you are pregnant and have warts. Do not use wart removers made for hands or feet on the genital area, because they can damage sensitive skin.

How are genital warts diagnosed at the clinic?

Genital warts are usually diagnosed by looking at them during an examination. The doctor may also check the vagina and cervix. Because genital warts and high-risk HPV can occur together, the doctor may recommend a Pap smear and HPV test if you are due for screening, and a colposcopy(magnified exam) in some cases. Testing for other STIs through STD testing may also be suggested. If a growth looks unusual, a biopsy may be recommended.

How are genital warts treated?

Warts sometimes go away on their own, but treatment can remove visible warts and relieve symptoms. Options include:

•  Prescription creams applied at home, which help the immune system clear the warts or destroy wart tissue
• Cryotherapy(freezing) in the clinic
• Other in-clinic removal methods, such as chemical application or electrocautery, depending on size and location

The doctor will recommend an option based on the number, size, and location of the warts and whether you are pregnant. Treatment removes the warts but may not remove the virus, so warts can come back, and more than one treatment is often needed. Individual results vary.

How can I prevent genital warts?

• The Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine protects against HPV types 6 and 11 as well as seven high-risk types. It works best before exposure but can still benefit many adults. At the clinic, Gardasil 9 is 240,000 KRW per dose (prices may change; confirm with the clinic).
• Use condoms to lower the risk.
• Avoid sexual contact with visible warts until they are treated.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

If you have noticed a new bump or growth, the doctor can examine it and discuss your options in English. Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients in English at Eunice Women's Clinic.

•  Address: 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, across the crosswalk from Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk
• Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00–19:00
• Tue, Thu: 10:00–20:00 (evening clinic)
• Sat: 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
• Weekday lunch break: 13:30–14:30. Closed Sundays and Korean public holidays

You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search “유니스산부인과” or Eunice), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100. Booking is recommended; call or message to check same-day availability. See directions from Seongsu Station.

Frequently asked questions

Can genital warts turn into cancer?

No. Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types that do not cause cancer. However, you can have more than one HPV type at a time, so keeping up with cervical screening is still important.

Do genital warts go away without treatment?

Some warts go away on their own over months, as the immune system clears the virus. Others stay or grow. Treatment can remove visible warts sooner and relieve discomfort.

Can I get the HPV vaccine if I already have warts?

Often yes. The vaccine does not treat existing warts, but it may protect against HPV types you have not yet been exposed to. The doctor can discuss whether vaccination is suitable for you.

Should my partner be checked?

Partners may wish to see a doctor if they notice any bumps or growths. There is no routine HPV test for men. Many partners already share the virus by the time warts appear.

Can genital warts affect pregnancy?

Warts may grow during pregnancy. They rarely cause problems for the baby. Some treatment creams are not used in pregnancy, so tell the doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Related pages

•  HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9)
• STD Testing
• HPV Test
• HPV Infection
• HPV Vaccine in Korea

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.