5 treatment options for genital warts

​Treatment for genital warts can be done with ointments, such as imiquimod or podophyllotoxin, application of acids to the skin, cryotherapy sessions, electrocauterization or surgery to remove the warts.

Genital warts are caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus. Its treatment is practically the same for men and women.

Read too: HPV in men: symptoms, transmission and treatment

The treatment of genital warts varies according to the characteristics of the warts, such as their location and size, and it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, gynecologist or urologist to determine which treatment is most appropriate for each case.

Main treatment options

The main treatment options for genital warts are:

1. Ointments or creams

Ointments or creams for genital warts, such as imiquimod or podophyllotoxin, work by preventing the HPV virus from multiplying or stimulating the immune system’s reaction against it. They should be applied to the warts according to the doctor’s instructions. Discover other remedies for HPV.

To find out the most suitable ointments for treating genital warts and how to use them correctly, make an appointment with the dermatologist closest to you:

2. Application of acids to the skin

Genital warts can be treated by applying trichloroacetic acid to the warts to destroy them. Due to the risk of causing irritation to healthy skin, applications are normally carried out by the doctor in the office, in weekly or fortnightly sessions.

3. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy consists of eliminating the genital wart by applying cold, using liquid nitrogen. It is most effective in cases where genital warts are multiple and small, especially when they appear on the shaft of the penis or near the vulva.

Treatment of genital warts with cryotherapy is normally done in weekly sessions, but up to 4 sessions may be necessary in some cases.

4. Electrocauterization

Electrocauterization is a technique that destroys genital warts by applying an electric current and heat, using an instrument called electrocautery. It can be performed with local or general anesthesia, and is most suitable for treating small genital warts on the body of the penis or vulva.

Sometimes it can be combined with surgery to remove large genital warts around the vulva or anus that have not responded to ointment or acid treatments.

5. Surgery

Removing genital warts through surgery can be done using local or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the warts and the area of ​​skin affected. Surgery is more efficient in treating genital warts that are small and hardened or have joined together and can leave scars in some cases.

Home treatment

Home treatment for genital warts should be done in addition to the treatment recommended by your doctor and consists of daily consumption of foods rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and/or folic acid, such as tomatoes, radishes, oranges or mango, which strengthen the immune system. .

Sitz baths also help to alleviate discomfort that may arise in the area after the application of acids or cryotherapy sessions, for example. Check out other home remedy options for genital warts.

Signs of improvement and worsening

Signs of improvement in genital warts generally appear when the person completes treatment, which causes the warts to begin to reduce in size, becoming flat and disappearing.

Read too: Does HPV have a cure?

However, when the person does not comply with the treatment recommended by the doctor, it is possible to notice worsening symptoms, such as an increase in the number and size of warts in the genital region. In this case, it is necessary to return to the doctor for an evaluation.