Genital warts can result from an infection of the human papilloma virus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. HPV cannot be cured, and it is possible for a person to experience recurring outbreaks for life. Treatments for genital warts should be initiated by a doctor; over-the-counter and home remedies are strongly discouraged by most health-care professionals. Common treatments for genital warts include medications that suppress HPV and surgical treatments to shrink or excise persistent growths. By following a doctor's orders and scheduling regular checkups, the frequency and severity of outbreaks can be reduced significantly in most patients.
A person who notices unusual growths on or near the penis, scrotum, vagina, or anus should schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. A gynecologist or dermatologist can order laboratory HPV tests to confirm a diagnosis. If warts are internal, very small, or appear suspicious, a biopsy may be needed to make sure they are not cancerous.
Once an accurate diagnosis is made, the doctor can discuss different treatments for genital warts with his or her patient. Warts that are sporadic and do not cause excessive itching can usually be treated with topical ointments or creams. Patients are often prescribed ointments that contain suppressive agents such as imiquimod or podophyllin, to be applied several times a day for about three weeks. In addition, a doctor may decide to treat warts in his or her office by applying a caustic solution, such as trichloroacetic acid, directly onto lesions to erode them.
Surgical treatments for genital warts are very effective at removing persistent or painful masses. Electrocautery, which involves applying intense heat and electricity to the affected area, is frequently performed on large masses to burn them away. Cryotherapy can also be used on sporadic external warts to freeze tissue, which eventually blisters and falls off. Warts that do not respond to other treatment measures may need to be surgically excised with a scalpel.
People who have frequent outbreaks may need to receive additional treatments for genital warts. Laser therapy is a popular choice for frequently recurring warts, as it can be performed frequently without leaving scars. An intense beam of light and carbon dioxide is focused on each wart for several seconds to destroy tissue.
Even when HPV and genital warts are well-controlled, the virus can eventually cause cancer. It is essential for a patient to attend regular doctor visits to check for signs of malignancies. Physicians strongly urge people who know they have HPV to inform their sexual partners, use condoms, and avoid sexual activity during active outbreaks. In many countries, young people who do not yet have the virus can get HPV vaccinations that greatly reduce the risk of developing genital warts.