HPV treatment: medicines, surgery and other options

Treatment for HPV aims to eliminate warts, which may vary according to the number of warts, the location in which they appear and the shape they have, and it is important that the treatment is carried out in accordance with the guidance of the gynecologist or urologist.

Depending on the characteristics of HPV warts, the doctor may recommend the use of medicines in the form of ointments, cryotherapy, laser treatment or surgery in cases where the warts are very large.

Regardless of the treatment indicated, it is important that the person maintains good intimate hygiene and uses a condom during all sexual relations, checking that the condom covers the warts. It is also important that the partner is evaluated by a doctor to check whether he has already been infected and then begin treatment.

1. Medicines

The use of medicines in the form of an ointment or cream to eliminate HPV warts is the most common form of treatment recommended by a doctor, and the medicine may vary according to the shape of the wart, quantity and location in which it appears.

Thus, some of the medications that may be recommended are Podofilox, Trichloroacetic Acid and Imiquimod. Furthermore, in some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of the drug Interferon to complement the treatment and promote the proper functioning of the immune system. See more about HPV remedies

2. Surgery

Surgery to remove warts caused by HPV may be indicated when the lesions do not disappear with the use of medication, are very large or when the person has a tendency to bleed, and can be performed in a doctor’s office or hospital.

Furthermore, surgery for HPV is indicated when high-grade lesions caused by the virus are identified in the uterus, which increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. This way, when performing surgery, it is possible to treat the lesions, preventing their progression and reducing the risk of cancer.

3. Cauterization of the cervix

Cauterization of the cervix is ​​a type of treatment also indicated for HPV, especially when the presence of uterine lesions caused by HPV is verified in the Pap smear, in the case of women, even if there are no genital warts.

This procedure aims to treat the lesions and prevent their progression, preventing the development of cancer. In this way, the gynecologist burns the lesions identified during the examination, allowing healthy cells to develop there and preventing the progression of the disease. He understands what cervical cauterization is and how it is performed.

4. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is also a treatment option for warts caused by HPV and consists of freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen, and is recommended for more external warts. This treatment must be done in a doctor’s office and may cause the wart to “fall off” within a few days. Learn more about cryotherapy for warts.

Signs of improvement and worsening of HPV

When treatment is carried out properly, symptoms of HPV improvement may appear, such as a reduction in the number and size of warts, also reducing the risk of transmission of the virus. However, warts can reappear because the virus remains dormant in the body and is not eliminated after wart treatment.

On the other hand, when treatment is not carried out according to the doctor’s recommendation, it is possible to observe the appearance of more lesions, in addition to being more likely to develop complications, including cancer.