What is the difference?
Genital herpes vs Genital warts
Both are common viral STIs that show up on the skin of the genitals, so people often wonder which one they are looking at. They are caused by different viruses: herpes by the herpes simplex virus, warts by certain types of HPV. Only a clinician can say for sure.
General information, not medical advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a clinician, pharmacist or sexual health clinic.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a common, lifelong viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can cause recurring blisters or sores but often goes unnoticed.
Full entryGenital warts
Genital warts are small, usually painless growths on or around the genitals or anus caused by low-risk types of HPV.
Full entrySide by side
In short
Herpes tends to mean painful blisters or sores that come and go; warts tend to mean painless lumps. Neither is a judgement on anyone, and a sexual health clinic can tell them apart quickly.
What they have in common
Both spread through skin-to-skin contact, can be passed on without visible signs, may come back after they clear, and are only partly prevented by condoms because they can affect skin a condom does not cover.
Sources
More comparisons
- Genital herpesvsCold soresSame virus family, different location. Avoiding kissing and oral sex while a sore is present lowers the chance of passing it on.
- Affirmative consentvsEnthusiastic consentAffirmative consent is about getting a clear yes; enthusiastic consent goes a step further and cares whether that yes is truly wanted.
- Anxious attachmentvsAvoidant attachmentAnxious attachment leans in and needs reassurance; avoidant attachment leans out and needs space. Both people usually care deeply; they simply protect themselves in opposite ways.
- AsexualvsAromanticAsexual answers "do I feel sexual attraction?"; aromantic answers "do I feel romantic attraction?". A person can be one, both or neither.
Last reviewed 16 October 2026. Spotted a mistake?