Bumps on Your Penis in Lagos?
Genital Warts Are Treatable — Come In.

Genital Warts in Nigerian Men — Facts and Treatment

Genital warts are soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growths on the penis, scrotum, perineum, or anal area caused by low-risk strains of HPV (mainly types 6 and 11). They are transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact — not through toilet seats, swimming pools, or casual contact.

Are they dangerous?

Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains that do not cause cancer. The high-risk strains that cause cervical and penile cancer (HPV 16 and 18) are typically invisible — they do not form visible warts. This is an important distinction: genital warts are a nuisance and a transmission risk, not a cancer precursor.

Treatment options

Podophyllotoxin cream or gel (Wartec) — applied by the patient at home to individual warts over several weeks. Effective for flat or small warts. Requires precise application and avoidance of surrounding skin.

Imiquimod cream — stimulates the immune system to attack HPV-infected cells. Applied 3 nights per week for up to 16 weeks. More effective for larger or recurrent warts.

Minor surgical removal — for larger, pedunculated, or treatment-resistant warts, excision under local anaesthetic or cryotherapy (freezing). Available at Mascot Healthcare.

What treatment cannot do: No treatment eliminates HPV from the body permanently. The virus persists in the skin in a latent state — warts may recur even after successful treatment. About 30% of warts resolve spontaneously within 3 months without treatment.

Partner notification

The partner should be examined and, where relevant, offered treatment. Women with a partner with genital warts should have cervical screening — not because warts cause cervical cancer (they don't) but because the presence of any STI suggests possible co-infection with high-risk HPV strains.