Wartovir
A topical treatment you apply at home — no doctor’s visit required.
$99.95
What are anal warts?
Anal warts are small, flesh-colored or grayish growths that appear on or around the anus, and in some cases inside the anal canal itself. They’re caused by certain strains of HPV — mainly types 6 and 11, which together cause roughly 90% of anogenital warts — and can affect anyone regardless of whether they’ve had anal sex, since close skin contact alone is enough to spread the virus. Like other HPV-related warts, they’re very manageable once you know your options, and having them doesn’t mean you carry one of the higher-risk HPV strains linked to cancer.
Small, external anal warts are often treatable at home. See how Wartovir works →
What causes anal warts?
Anal warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. Receptive anal intercourse increases risk, but it isn’t required for transmission — close genital-to-anal skin contact, shared use of towels or other items that touch the area, or the virus simply spreading from a nearby genital infection can all lead to anal warts. A partner with no visible warts can still pass the virus.
- Spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, not exclusively through anal sex
- Can be transmitted even when the infected partner shows no visible warts
- Warts typically appear 1 to 8 months after exposure, sometimes longer
- Risk increases with more sexual partners, inconsistent condom/barrier use, smoking, or a weakened immune system — including HIV, which is associated with a notably higher rate of anal warts
Because of that incubation window, it’s often impossible to know exactly when or from whom the virus was contracted.
Symptoms to look out for
- Small, flesh-colored bumps around the anal opening, alone or in cauliflower-like clusters
- Itching, discomfort, or mild bleeding, especially after a bowel movement
- A feeling of a lump or growth that wasn’t there before
- A sense of fullness or pressure if warts have developed just inside the anal canal
Warts can take weeks or months to appear after exposure, which makes them easy to miss at first. Left untreated, they may stay the same, grow in size or number, or occasionally resolve on their own. If you notice new bumps or persistent itching in this area, it’s worth confirming what you’re dealing with.
How are anal warts diagnosed?
For warts visible around the anal opening, a healthcare provider can usually diagnose them through a visual exam alone. If warts may extend inside the anal canal, a provider might use a short scope (anoscopy) to check further in, since warts there aren’t visible or treatable the same way as external ones. If a growth looks unusual or doesn’t respond to treatment, a small tissue sample (biopsy) can rule out other conditions.
A proper diagnosis matters most the first time you notice a new growth in this area, since hemorrhoids, skin tags, and other benign conditions can sometimes be mistaken for warts.
Is at-home treatment right for you?
Often a reasonable start
- Small number of visible warts on the outer skin
- Want to avoid an in-person exam first
- Looking for a lower-cost, no-prescription option
See a provider instead
- Warts are inside the anal canal, not just around the opening
- Warts are painful or bleeding
- You’re pregnant, HIV-positive, or otherwise immunocompromised
Can anal warts be prevented?
There’s no way to fully eliminate the risk of HPV once you’re sexually active, but a few steps meaningfully lower your chances of getting or spreading anal warts:
- Getting the HPV vaccine — recommended for adolescents and approved for adults up to age 45
- Using condoms or other barriers consistently, though they don’t cover all exposed skin
- Limiting your number of sexual partners or being in a mutually monogamous relationship
- Talking with partners about symptoms before sex, and pausing sex while warts are visible
Having anal warts once doesn’t grant future immunity — the virus can persist in the body, and warts can recur even after successful treatment.
What customers are saying
“Discreet shipping made this so much less stressful. Started seeing changes in the first week.”
Verified buyer
“Easy to apply and easy to keep private. No appointment, no awkward conversation.”
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“Wish I’d tried this before booking a doctor’s visit. Straightforward to use.”
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Frequently asked questions
Do anal warts go away on their own?
Sometimes, but treatment removes visible warts faster and reduces the chance of spreading them to a partner.
Can you get anal warts without having anal sex?
Yes. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, so warts can appear near the anus from contact with a nearby genital infection or general genital skin contact, without anal intercourse.
Can anal warts turn into cancer?
No. The HPV strains that cause anal warts (types 6 and 11) are different from the high-risk strains (like types 16 and 18) linked to anal and other cancers. Having anal warts doesn’t mean you have a cancer-causing strain.
Can anal warts come back after treatment?
Yes, they can recur even after successful treatment, since treatment removes the visible warts but doesn’t necessarily clear the underlying virus from the body.
How can I tell an anal wart from a hemorrhoid or skin tag?
They can look similar at a glance. Warts tend to feel rough or bumpy and may cluster together, while hemorrhoids are usually smoother and can be more tender, especially after a bowel movement. If you’re unsure, a quick exam from a provider can settle it.
Should I tell my partner?
Yes — anal warts and the HPV that causes them are contagious, including when warts aren’t visible. Being upfront lets your partner make informed decisions about testing, vaccination, and protection.
How long does Wartovir take to work?
Most customers see visible change within a few days, with total treatment time being 1-3 weeks.
Is it discreet?
Yes — orders ship in plain packaging with no product branding, and billing descriptors don’t reference the product.
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