Genital warts (HPV) treated without surgery. Walk-in laser removal under local anesthesia at Avrupa Cerrahi, Istanbul — fast recovery, minimal pain.
With over 20 years of experience, we offer modern non-surgical treatment options. Same-day consultation is available for most patients.
Quick answer: Genital warts are contagious skin growths in the genital and anal area caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), most often types 6 and 11. They spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity and should be evaluated by a specialist, because some HPV types carry a cancer risk. At Avrupa Cerrahi in Istanbul, we remove genital warts with a non-surgical laser procedure performed under local anesthesia — no general anesthesia, no hospital stay, and a return to daily life the same day.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Yasir Gözü · General Surgery and Proctology · Last updated: July 20, 2026
Genital warts — known medically as condylomas — are soft, raised growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital and anal region, caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are among the most common sexually transmitted conditions.
More than 200 types of HPV have been identified, and roughly 40 of them affect the genital area. A subset of these types is associated with an increased risk of cancer. This is why genital warts should never be dismissed as a purely cosmetic problem: the first priority is examination by an experienced physician, followed when appropriate by HPV typing. Identifying the type early guides treatment and makes it far more likely to succeed.
HPV is passed on when the skin of the genital or anal area comes into direct contact with infected skin. The virus enters through tiny tears or cracks in the skin surface — often invisible to the naked eye — and triggers the formation of the lesions known as condylomas.
Because the infection spreads from person to person through contact, warts should be treated as soon as possible; untreated lesions allow the warts to multiply and spread.
The main routes of transmission are:
HPV can infect men and women alike, and a person can carry the virus without ever developing visible lesions. Certain factors, however, raise the likelihood of infection and of warts appearing:
Because a healthy immune system can keep HPV suppressed, warts often first appear — or reappear — during periods when the body's defenses are run down.
In women, genital warts may develop:
In men, they may develop:
Warts around the anus (perianal condylomas) are a particular focus of proctology practice, since lesions can extend toward the anal canal where they are easily missed.
The most common signs are raised, flesh-colored or darker growths on the skin of the affected area. Other symptoms can include:
Warts may appear as single, isolated bumps or in clusters that take on the classic "cauliflower" appearance. Many warts are painless — but the absence of pain does not mean the infection is harmless.
Genital warts have a typical, recognizable appearance, so an experienced urologist, gynecologist, or proctology specialist can usually identify them during a physical examination.
Because HPV comes in many types with very different risk profiles, examination alone is not the whole story. A tissue or cell sample can be taken so the specific viral type can be determined. Tests such as the HPV DNA test and the Pap smear establish whether a high-risk (cancer-associated) type is present, which shapes both the treatment plan and the follow-up schedule.
Not every HPV type causes genital warts, and not every wart-causing type carries a cancer risk. Of the more than 200 known HPV types, close to 40 can produce warts in the genital region. HPV 6 and HPV 11 are the types most frequently responsible for genital warts, and importantly, they are not considered cancer-causing.
Based on their potential to cause cancer, HPV types are divided into two groups:
HPV infection has an unusually wide incubation window. Depending on the strength of the individual's immune system, the time between catching the virus and developing visible lesions can range from about 2 months to 6 years. In patients with weakened immunity, HPV can produce warts of varying size, shape, and number around the vagina, penis, and anus.
The high-risk HPV types can, over time, lead to cancer in the tissues they infect. The most common oncogenic — that is, tumor-forming — types are HPV 16 and HPV 18. This is why typing the virus and keeping up with follow-up examinations matters, even after the warts themselves have been removed.
Yes. An effective HPV vaccine is in widespread use today, and the single most important thing to know about it is that it works best when given before any exposure to the virus. Vaccination at around age 12–13 provides considerably stronger protection than vaccination later in life; between ages 17 and 45 the protective effect is lower. Even so, people who have no symptoms are still advised to consider vaccination as a preventive measure.
Several methods are available for removing genital warts:
Conventional surgery is performed under general anesthesia, requires a hospital stay, and can leave scarring in the treated areas. Because of these drawbacks, most patients today look for less invasive alternatives.
Cryotherapy applies measured doses of nitrogen to the wart in repeated sessions. Its limitation is depth: in some cases the freezing only affects the surface layer of the wart, and it is difficult to confirm whether the base of the lesion has actually been destroyed. As a result, the number of sessions tends to stretch out.
Laser treatment is, in our experience, the most advantageous option. The laser allows the physician to treat every lesion — even the smallest, easily overlooked ones — and to reach the very root of each wart in a controlled way. This precision is why it is the method we use at Avrupa Cerrahi.
Surgical excision of genital warts carries the complications that come with any open procedure: loss of healthy surrounding tissue, visible scarring, bleeding, and post-operative infection or inflammation. General anesthesia and hospital admission add further burden.
Laser removal of genital warts as performed at our clinic offers clear practical benefits:
The single most important rule after treatment is to avoid contact with anyone who has visible genital warts, since reinfection is possible. Beyond that:
Because HPV can remain in the body after the visible warts are removed, recurrence is possible. Regular check-ups, protective sexual behavior, vaccination where appropriate, and strong immunity are the pillars of keeping warts from coming back.
At Avrupa Cerrahi in Istanbul, patients who have been told they need conventional wart surgery are treated with non-surgical, laser-based techniques backed by 17 years of accumulated experience. Our practice focuses on proctology — diseases of the anal region — and we continuously follow current national and international literature, refining our dedicated treatment technique as the field advances. Every patient is examined personally by Op. Dr. Yasir Gözü, and treatment is planned around the type, extent, and location of the lesions.
Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a physician for guidance specific to your condition.
