“I started noticing small lesions around my genital area. At first, I thought it was just irritation or dryness, but they didn’t go away,” says T., a 32-year-old lawyer from Tel Aviv. “I had no idea what it was, and it kept getting worse. After a few days, I gathered the courage to see my family doctor, and he immediately told me—it’s genital warts (condyloma).”
He had heard about the human papillomavirus (HPV) before, but didn’t expect to face it himself. “The doctor explained that it’s much more common than people think, and that the virus can cause visible warts, but also other complications. In my case, it cleared up on its own after a few weeks—luckily—but that’s not always how it goes.”
HPV and Condyloma: A common STI
Dr. Raed Khoury, a specialist in dermatology and venereal diseases at Clalit in the Haifa and Western Galilee district, explains that condyloma is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, with infection rates steadily rising. “There are several strains of the human papillomavirus that cause condyloma. The most common are types 6 and 11, which are not considered dangerous. In contrast, types 16 and 18 are high-risk strains, especially in women, as they can lead to cervical cancer.”
In rare cases, anal condyloma can lead to the development of anal carcinoma (anal cancer). “If diagnosed early, the treatment usually results in complete recovery,” says Dr. Alexia Boukris-Toledano, a proctologist and gastroenterologist with Meuhedet HMO in the Central District. “However, if diagnosis is delayed—often due to misidentifying it as hemorrhoids or using the wrong treatments—the condition can worsen and become serious and complicated.” She recommends being alert to any changes, seeking medical evaluation when symptoms arise, and undergoing regular follow-up if lesions appear near the anal area.
Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Condyloma is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It manifests as warts in intimate areas, such as the genitals, and is among the most common STIs worldwide in both men and women.
Dr. Raed Khoury“The main symptom is the appearance of soft, fleshy warts, pink or skin-colored, in intimate contact areas,” Dr. Khoury explains. “Warts can appear on external genitals, around the anus, inside the vagina, on the cervix, and in rare cases, in the throat and respiratory tract. Often, the disease has no other symptoms, but some patients may experience itching, discomfort, bleeding, or mild pain in the affected area.”
In most cases, the impact is cosmetic, though it can cause discomfort and negatively affect one’s sex life. “It’s recommended to avoid sexual activity until fully healed to prevent spreading it to partners,” he adds. The virus can also appear in the mouth, especially after oral sex.
Dr. Boukris-Toledano notes that anal condyloma symptoms vary: “Some report a bump near the anus, itching, or discomfort. Many initially think it’s hemorrhoids, but examination reveals it’s condyloma.” A simple external examination usually suffices to distinguish it from other conditions.
Who’s at risk?
The virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact—vaginal, anal, or oral—but can also spread through skin-to-skin contact without penetration. Risk groups include people with multiple sexual partners, those who engage in unprotected sex, or those with weakened immune systems. Additional risk factors include smoking (which impairs immune response) and conditions like HIV, which increase susceptibility to infection and spread of warts.
Diagnosis and tests
Doctors can usually identify condyloma based on the appearance and location of the lesions. In uncertain cases, further tests like biopsy or PCR can confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosis is based on:
- Clinical examination – visible identification of warts.
- Colposcopy – for women, using a magnification tool to inspect the cervix.
- PCR testing – detects HPV strains in men and women.
- Biopsy – in rare cases where malignancy is suspected.
While condyloma is usually benign, it’s important to understand that certain HPV strains (notably 16 and 18) are linked to cancers of the cervix, penis, anus, and throat. Thousands of women in Israel are diagnosed each year with precancerous conditions, and about 150 die annually from cervical cancer.
Treatment options include:
- Topical medications that destroy wart tissue.
- Creams that boost the immune system’s response to the virus.
- Chemical treatments with acid to burn off warts.
Advanced methods include:
- Laser removal – precise destruction of infected tissue.
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing) – one of the most common wart treatments.
- Surgical excision – for large or persistent warts.
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Dr. Boukris-Toledano explains that treatment for anal condyloma depends on lesion size and location. “One option is a cream applied three times a week for about two months, but it may cause burning over time.” For larger or more resistant lesions, or those located internally, more invasive methods like laser or cauterization may be required.
Can HPV Be Eliminated? Dr. Khoury says recovery isn’t always permanent. “HPV includes many strains. Recovering from one provides immunity to that type, but people can still contract others.” That’s why high-risk individuals are advised to get vaccinated against the most dangerous strains.
Vaccination and prevention
As with most health issues, prevention is key. HPV vaccination, use of protection, awareness of risks, and regular check-ups significantly reduce infection and complications. Early detection and proper treatment prevent dangerous lesions and reduce future health risks.
Dr. Boukris-ToledanoPhoto: Meuhedet HMOThe Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against most HPV strains that cause condyloma and cervical cancer. Israel’s health basket committee recently approved its administration to boys and girls in middle school, as well as men and women aged 18–26 who were not previously vaccinated.