Short answer
Genital warts are small growths on or around the genitals caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), and they are common and treatable. Visible warts are usually removed in a single 15-45 minute session under local anaesthesia, using freezing, cautery, laser or excision. Most men return to work the next day, though warts can recur because the virus may remain in the skin.
What are HPV and genital warts?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus passed on through skin-to-skin contact. Many people carry it without symptoms. Some types cause genital warts, which are usually painless, skin-coloured growths on the penis, scrotum, groin or around the anus.
Wart-causing HPV types are different from the types most linked with cancer. Your doctor explains what your diagnosis means.
Who is it for?
This service is for men who have noticed new growths in the genital area, have warts that have returned, or want advice after a partner's HPV diagnosis. A doctor assesses you in person, as other harmless skin conditions can look similar.
How diagnosis and treatment work
Your urologist examines you privately and, where needed, uses magnification or takes a small sample for testing. Treatment is chosen based on the number, size and location of the warts.
Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land, and a personal coordinator stays with you discreetly throughout.
- Cryotherapy: freezing small warts
- Electrocautery: removing warts with controlled heat
- Laser treatment: for multiple or hard-to-reach warts
- Surgical excision: for larger warts
- Prescription creams for some small warts
- Advice on HPV vaccination where appropriate
Recovery and results
Treated areas usually heal within 1-3 weeks. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid sexual contact until healing is complete. Most men return to work the next day.
Removing warts does not always remove the virus, so new warts can appear in the following months. A check-up and further treatment if needed are part of your follow-up, and condoms reduce, but do not fully prevent, transmission. Metropolmed's own medical team performs the treatment in Istanbul, and 12 months of follow-up are included.
Your private consultation
Your consultation is private and entirely non-judgemental. Before you travel, your coordinator asks how long the growths have been present, whether you have had treatment before and whether you have any conditions that affect immunity. Avoid applying creams to the area for a few days before your visit unless prescribed. If you would like a wider sexual health screen at the same visit, mention this in advance so tests can be arranged.
Consultations take place one to one in a private room, with a medical interpreter if you need one, and you can ask for a male or female interpreter and coordinator. Your records, photographs and test results are kept strictly confidential and shared only with the clinicians treating you. Metropolmed holds the Turkish Ministry of Health international patient authorisation (USHAŞ AK-0164), and its own TÜRSAB-licensed travel division (licence 13032) books your hotel.
Risks and safety
Possible side effects include soreness, temporary skin irritation, blistering, changes in skin colour, small scars and, rarely, infection. Recurrence is the most common issue and does not mean treatment failed.
A doctor confirms the diagnosis in person, explains the options and risks, and offers sexual health screening if you wish. Everything is handled confidentially.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Private examination and treatment
- Week 1Soreness eases; avoid sexual contact
- Week 2-3Treated skin healed
- Month 1-3Check-up for any new warts
- Month 12Final follow-up
Frequently asked questions
Can genital warts come back after treatment?
Yes. The virus can stay in the skin, so new warts may appear, most often in the first few months, and they can be treated again.
Should my partner be checked?
It is a good idea for a partner to see their own doctor, and women should keep up with routine cervical screening. Your doctor can advise on what to say.
Are genital warts a sign of cancer?
Usually not. The HPV types that cause warts are generally different from the higher-risk types linked with cancer.
Can men have the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine can help prevent infection with the types it covers, and your doctor can advise whether it is suitable for you.
