Herpes vs. Genital Warts: Key Differences Explained

03 Nov 2025

Since a number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) exhibit similar symptoms, it can be difficult to know which one you may have without undergoing a sexual health test. Genital warts and genital herpes are two STIs that are often mistaken for one another. This blog describes the difference between genital herpes and genital warts – including the signs, transmission, treatment, etc. Let’s get on with the show – spotting their differences!

Genital warts may occur from certain strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) and typically appear as small, painless growths on the skin. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is responsible for causing genital herpes, which is associated with painful sores or blisters. Both genital warts and genital herpes are spread by skin-to-skin contact. However, herpes is a lifelong infection and while your body will eventually clear HPV, immunity can take weeks to develop.

Find out more about genital warts and herpes, which one is worse, and how are they different in terms of appearance, transmission, testing and treatment.

Are Genital Warts the Same as Herpes?

Both genital warts and genital herpes (HSV-2) are sexually transmitted infections. Although many people believe they are the same disease, they actually are two different STDs. Both are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact from an infected site, but vary in symptoms, treatment and curability.

What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are an STD caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and spread through skin-to-skin contact. Genital warts don’t typically cause symptoms, but if they do, they will generally be small, flesh-coloured bumps located around the genital area. They typically do not hurt, though they may be irritated when sexually active or urinating.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The most common symptom is painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas, however, many people do not have symptoms. HSV is the exact virus that produces cold sores we get on our lips and mouth and can impact any type of moist lining or mucous membrane, which we often label as oral herpes or HSV-1.

What is the difference between Genital Warts and Genital Herpes?

Even though genital warts and genital herpes are both common STIs occurring in the genital region, both diseases are caused by different viruses and behave quite differently. Below, we have outlined the main differences between these warts and herpes:

Transmission

Transmission is one area in which genital warts and genital herpes are very similar. Genital warts and genital herpes spread through contact with infected skin, typically through:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral); even if you are wearing a condom, you might still be able to transmit the virus because your condom does not protect all exposed skin.
• Sharing sex toys without washing in between.
• Mutual masturbation and then touching oneself without washing hands.

Incubation period

Once you have been initially infected with human papilloma virus, it may be 2 weeks to about 8 months before you develop any symptoms of genital warts. Regarding herpes, people generally have symptoms of it from 2 to 12 days after having been infected with the virus.

However, it is essential to recognise that most people have genital warts or genital herpes and will never have any symptoms. One would simply require sexual health check-ups on a regular basis to check for the presence of the virus, otherwise they would be unknowingly end up transmitting it.

Symptoms

As discussed earlier, even if you have either of these infections, you may never have any symptoms – which is why it is important to have a sexual health test regularly.

Genital warts are typically small brown bumps or growths that occur on or nearby the genitals. They are usually not painful, but can feel irritated, itch or bleed – particularly when your clothing rubs against them or during sex.

Genital herpes will cause painful sores or blisters on the genitals, thighs or buttocks. Blisters or sores may also come with flu-like symptoms, like a fever, body aches and swollen glands. This usually happens in the first outbreak after being infected with the herpes virus.

Testing

Testing for HPV or genital warts is typically done with a visual examination or a cervical screening. During your screening, the medical practitioner will collect swab samples of your cervical cells for lab testing.

For genital herpes, the virus can be tested through a few different ways. The most common way is swabbing an open sore, or urine samples taken from someone having an active outbreak. Also, to test for past infections, a blood test is conducted for IgG antibodies – their presence points to you having herpes.

Treatment or Curability

While there is no existing cure for HPV – the virus causing genital warts, in many cases, the virus clears from the body on its own after some time, usually within a few years. In contrast, herpes is a lifelong infection with no known cure. Regardless of this issue, genital warts and herpes outbreaks can easily be managed with multiple available treatments that include topical medications, oral antivirals, or alternatives to minimise pain and reduce the chance of spreading the infection.

Effects on Pregnancy and Newborns

Generally, genital warts and HPV do not cause any harm in pregnancy or during childbirth. Some women may observe that they have more genital warts during their pregnancy, and they may feel more irritated than normal, but this is usually nothing to worry about. It is possible for a baby to get HPV from the mother, which can cause a rare infection in their throat or genitals, but this is extremely rare.

Herpes usually does not complicate pregnancy, and many women with the virus will experience a problem-free pregnancy. However, if you have an outbreak of herpes during vaginal delivery, it is possible for the virus to pass to your baby, which can result in neonatal herpes. Symptoms of neonatal herpes include fever, blisters on the skin, poor feeding or severe health complications if the infection is not treated. Luckily, the chances of spreading herpes during delivery may be reduced with antiviral medication while you are pregnant.

Can You Have Herpes and Genital Warts At The Same Time?

Like any other STI, it is possible to get more than one STI at a time. The symptoms may overlap or be mistaken for each other, so the only way to know for sure is to receive a comprehensive sexual health screening for all common infections. It helps confirm if you have one or both STIs, and your GP or sexual health nurse will then be able to recommend the best treatment for your symptoms and reducing the risk of transmission to other partners.

Book a Sexual Health Screening At Our South Kensington MD

If you think you have been exposed to herpes or HPV or you are experiencing possible symptoms, it is important to be tested before engaging in any sexual intercourse. At South Kensington MD, we provide a broad range of complete sexual health services. Our private sexual health clinic offers a confidential, professional and trusted service, whilst providing fast turnaround times.

Don’t wish to come to a clinic? Not to worry – again you can order one of our home testing kits straight to your door. If you need to help to decide which test would be best for you, please contact our experienced sexual health care team.