Genital Warts – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Checking for Cervical Cell Changes
Pap smears help spot cell changes in the cervix and vagina linked to HPV infection. During the test, a health professional uses a speculum to gently open the vagina and reach the cervix.
They take a small scraping of cells from the cervix with a soft tool. A lab then examines these cells under a microscope to look for signs of an STI, pre-cancer, or other irregularities.
- Regular Pap tests can catch cervical changes caused by certain HPV types.
- This screening matters for women, since HPV is a main cause of cervical cancer.
- Finding problems early gives you better odds for successful treatment.
Looking for Problematic HPV Strains
HPV screening checks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus linked to cervical or anal cancer. The health professional collects a small sample of cervical cells, often during a Pap smear.
The sample gets tested for DNA or markers of HPV types that may lead to cancer, usually types 16 and 18.
- This test is mostly for people over age 30.
- In younger people, most HPV infections go away on their own and rarely cause cancer.
- Knowing your HPV status helps you and your doctor decide what to do next.
Treatment
Topical and Prescription Treatments
Several medicines can help remove genital warts, especially if they hurt or bother you. These medicines target the wart tissue, but they don’t actually clear the human papillomavirus (HPV) itself.
| Medication | Main Use | Possible Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Immune-response modifier (topical) | Boost immune response | Color changes, blisters, fatigue |
| Tissue-destroying agent | Destroy wart tissue | Skin irritation, pain |
| Topical acid | Burn warts away | Sores, irritation |
| Plant-based wart treatment | Shrink warts | Burning, color change |
Treatments include creams, lotions, gels, and acids you put right on the skin.
Immune-Response Modifiers (Topical)
This cream helps your immune system get rid of genital warts. Avoid intimate contact while the cream is still on the skin because it can cause irritation and may weaken condoms and diaphragms.
Side effects might include skin color changes, rash, tiredness, aches, or blisters.
Tissue-Destroying Agents (Such as Resin-Based or Home-Use Solutions)
Both destroy wart tissue. Only healthcare providers apply podophyllin, but you can use podofilox at home. Don’t use these products during pregnancy or inside the body. They might cause soreness, redness, or irritation.
Topical Acids
This acid burns away warts, even on delicate areas. Pain, small sores, or mild irritation can happen after treatment. Doctors often use this when other options don’t work.
Plant-Based Extracts (Green Tea–Derived Ointments)
An ointment made from green tea extract treats warts outside and around the anus. You might notice skin color changes, stinging, pain, or burning where you put it.
Other Medications
Sometimes, doctors try antiviral drugs or cancer medicines, but they’re not usually the first choice. These can have more side effects and aren’t used often.
Skip over-the-counter wart removers for genital areas. They’re not meant for sensitive skin and can actually cause harm.
Key Notes on Treatment Choice
- Treatment choice depends on how many warts you have, their size and location, your health (like if you have HIV), possible side effects, and whether you’re pregnant.
- Each treatment works differently, and warts might come back even after they’re gone.
- Using condoms and getting the HPV vaccine can help prevent some types of HPV that cause both warts and certain cancers, including cervical and squamous cell carcinoma.
Physical Procedures for Removal
If medicines don’t work or warts are large or painful, you might need a physical procedure. Surgical options can remove hard-to-treat or stubborn warts.
| Treatment Method | How It Works | Risks or Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy | Freezes warts off | Pain, swelling |
| Electrocautery | Burns warts | Pain, redness, swelling |
| Surgical Excision | Cuts out warts | Pain, possible infection |
| Laser Treatment | Burns with light | Scarring, pain, expensive |
- Cryotherapy (Freezing): Liquid nitrogen freezes the wart, causing a blister that lifts it off the skin. Sometimes you need repeat treatments. You might feel discomfort and see swelling.
- Electrosurgery (Electrocautery): This method burns warts with electricity. Pain, swelling, or redness can follow.
- Cutting Away (Excision): A doctor can cut warts off, usually with local anesthesia. You might have some pain or tenderness during healing.
-
Laser Therapy: A strong beam of light treats tough or widespread warts.
Laser treatment can be pricey and sometimes leaves scars or causes pain.
Not everyone needs surgery. For pregnant women, surgery might be needed if warts are close to the birth canal.
Surgery doesn’t cure HPV or stop future outbreaks, but it can quickly remove large or stubborn warts. Sometimes doctors do a biopsy if a wart looks odd or to check for precancer or cancer.
Vaccination can help prevent some HPV types. These vaccines are safe and can stop both genital warts and some cancers.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Preparing ahead can help your appointment go more smoothly. Bring a written list of your main symptoms, when they started, and if they’ve changed.
If you have a sexual partner, note if they have any symptoms too. Write down your sexual history, including any oral or anal sex, especially if you’ve had sex without protection or with a new partner.
Note your comfort levels and preferences that might be important for your care.
Make sure to include:
- All medical conditions you’re being treated for
- Medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including doses
- Any previous screening or vaccines, like HPV
Think about what questions you want to ask. Here are some examples:
| Topic | Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Tests & Diagnosis | What tests should I get? Should I be checked for other STIs? |
| Treatment Options | What treatment will work best for me and what does it cost? |
| Contagion & Prevention | How do I avoid passing this to someone else? |
| Impact on Relationships | Should my partner be tested? When is it safe to resume sex? |
| Recovery & Outlook | Will warts come back? How long until I improve? |
Don’t hesitate to ask more questions if you’re unsure about anything discussed.
Questions Your Provider May Have
Your health care professional will probably ask about your symptoms. They’ll want to know how severe things feel—like if you’re dealing with pain, itching, or burning.
They might also bring up your sexual practices. Expect questions about recent oral sex or anal intercourse, and whether you use protection.
Other things they’ll likely ask:
- Have you had any recent partners, and have they been tested?
- Are you pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant?
- Have you had any vaccines, especially for HPV?
- What’s your history with safe sex, and have you had any possible exposures to infection?
Try to be as open and honest as you can. This way, your provider can actually help you in a way that fits your health needs—and your budget, too. If you’re worried about cost or privacy, just let your provider know.
