Genital Warts vs Herpes: What's the Difference?

The difference between genital warts and genital herpes is that they are caused by different viruses and each condition causes different symptoms. Genital warts and genital herpes also need different treatments.

Let’s look in more detail at some of the differences between genital herpes and genital warts.

The difference between genital warts and genital herpes is that they are caused by different viruses.

Genital warts are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 different types of HPV. There are 2 strains of HPV that cause most genital warts: HPV type 6 and HPV type 11.

Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 types of HSV:

• herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) usually causes oral herpes (or cold sores) but can also cause genital herpes
• herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes

Both genital warts and genital herpes are spread by close sexual contact (skin to skin contact) during vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex.

Genital warts and genital herpes each cause different symptoms. Although both genital warts and genital herpes affect the skin in the genital area, they lead to different types of genital lesions. If you have genital warts, small, flesh coloured lumps develop in the genital area. The main symptom of genital herpes is herpes sores, which are small blisters that burst and lead to ulcers. Let’s have a look at the symptoms of genital herpes versus genital warts in more detail.

Genital herpes symptoms

The most common symptom of genital herpes is small blisters. The first sign of genital herpes can be a tingling or itching feeling in the affected area. After a few days, blisters begin to appear and start to fill with fluid. The rash might cause some pain. A few days later, the blisters burst and turn into ulcers. It can take some time for the ulcers to eventually close up and heal.

Genital herpes blisters can develop anywhere in the genital area and the anus. If you have an outbreak of genital herpes, you may just have one or two blisters or you may have many blisters.

The first time you have a genital herpes infection, you may feel a little unwell with a fever and flu-like symptoms. In women, genital herpes may make it painful for you to pee, and you may notice an unusual vaginal discharge.

After an outbreak of genital herpes, the herpes simplex virus does not leave your body. The virus lies dormant in a nerve in the area where the infection entered your body. The virus can become reactivated some weeks or months later, leading to another genital herpes outbreak. In a genital herpes outbreak, blisters can form again and then burst and develop into ulcers as before. Over time, outbreaks tend to become less severe – lasting for a shorter length of time and with less severe symptoms. Eventually, genital herpes outbreaks usually stop altogether.

Genital warts symptoms

The main symptom of genital warts is small, flesh coloured lumps that appear in the genital area. They can develop on the vulva, vagina and cervix (neck of the womb) in women and on the penis and scrotum in men. In both men and women, genital warts may also develop in or around the anus.

There are different types of genital warts. Genital warts that develop on moist, soft skin (for example, on the vulva) tend to feel soft. Whereas genital warts that develop on drier, hairier skin (for example the anus) tend to feel harder and drier.

If you have genital warts you may also notice some itching or inflammation in the affected area. Some bleeding may occur if the warts become inflamed or are scratched. In men, if you have warts in your urethra (the tube which empties the bladder), you may notice your stream of urine (pee) appearing to go sideways.

It’s not always possible to prevent genital warts or genital herpes. You can reduce the chance of catching or passing on genital warts or genital herpes to a sexual partner by using a condom during sex, or a dental dam during oral sex. To reduce the chance of passing on an infection, you should also avoid having sex during an active outbreak of either genital herpes or genital warts.

In the UK, a vaccine protecting against HPV infection is available. The HPV vaccine provides protection against cervical cancer as well as genital warts.

If you’ve had a genital herpes infection, you may notice certain factors that trigger outbreaks. For example, triggers of genital herpes outbreaks are thought to include:

• having a cold or other illness
• stress
• a weakened immune system
• exposure to sunlight (if the usually affected skin is exposed to sunlight)
• hormonal changes (including the menstrual cycle)

Often, there is no obvious trigger for a genital herpes outbreak. If you’re aware of things that trigger your genital herpes outbreaks, you may be able to take steps to avoid them.

If you have repeated genital herpes outbreaks (more than 6 genital herpes outbreaks in a year), you may be able to take antiviral medication to reduce them. You can speak to your doctor for advice.

There are treatment options for both genital herpes and genital warts. Both genital herpes and genital warts can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

Herpes treatment

There are 3 different antiviral medications commonly used to treat genital herpes outbreaks:

• Aciclovir
• Valaciclovir
• Famciclovir

When taken early in an outbreak, antiviral medication can shorten the length of time the outbreak lasts. Antiviral medication can also make genital herpes symptoms less severe. Fill in our free online questionnaire, and one of our doctors will review what treatment for genital herpes might be suitable for you.

Genital warts treatment

Small genital warts can be treated with a topical solution called Condyline, or creams called Aldara or Warticon. Complete our online form, and a doctor from ZAVA will review which genital warts treatment is suitable for you.

You may need further treatment for genital warts, especially if the warts are large. In some cases, freezing warts or surgery is advised. Speak to a doctor for advice.