Can genital warts clear up on their own?

Yes. Hpv will clear on its own as your immune system fights the virus, but it's important to see a doctor about the issue for several reasons. First, it may not be genital warts, but another infection or abnormality that could need medical treatment. Second, genital warts will clear, but the question then becomes "how long does it take?" This varies in every person. Those with HIV may have trouble fighting the virus while those who smoke will find an increased risk that the warts will fester for long periods of time. Third, warts can be uncomfortable and embarressing. Sometimes they can burn and itch from irritation, most especially in the anus where fecal matter can be hard to remove because of the warts themselves. In all, they require an elevated level of care while often leaving you inable to maintain your sexual existence. But it is important to wait it out. Genital warts can be treated, but HPV must be fought by the body. The warts often return after treatement, especially early treatment, and the skin is often still infected with the virus. The removal of the warts does little to prevent your body from reacting to the virus, and time-based treatment (waiting it out) may allow for a more accurate benchmark of when the virus has left your body. For most people this can take around 8 months, although it women it has been known to last up to two years. It's important to seek treatment, but also important to let your body run it's course. You cannot kill this virus by removing your warts.