Best Treatments For Genital Warts
Treatment options
Choosing the best treatment option for genital warts involves careful consideration of both warts and the patient’s preferences. It is important to select a treatment that is appropriate for the patient’s health status, and for warts’ morphology, location, and size. Patients and physicians must also be aware of the potential for side effects and recurrence. This may include inflammation, erosion of the epithelial tissue, and scarring.
Physicians have a variety of treatment options available to them. Some are prescription creams that can be applied at home, while others require a visit to a health care provider’s office. Prescription creams contain chemicals that can cause skin rashes and may be caustic agents. Some of the prescription creams prompt the body’s immune system to fight off the HPV virus.
The choice of treatment should be based on the patient’s preferences, the number and location of warts, and the sensitivity of the skin. The choice of treatment method should also be based on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s health status. The choice of treatment should be monitored for side effects, as warts often return after treatment. Patients with suppressed cell immunity may be less likely to respond to treatment and may experience an increase in relapse rates.
The most common treatment methods for genital warts include local and systemic injections, topical creams, cryotherapy, electrocautery, and surgery. The choice of treatment is dependent on the wart’s location, the patient’s needs, and the doctor’s experience. In addition, some patients may need to use barrier protection (such as dental dams or external condoms), or a combination of these measures. If the patient is concerned about the possibility of cervical cancer, a Pap test is recommended. The test is performed by collecting a small sample of the cervix. The sample is examined by a microscope. During the Pap test, the cervix is also examined for cancer-causing HPV strains.
The recurrence rate of genital warts varies. Some studies report a per-wart rate, while others report a per-patient rate. A higher recurrence rate may be found in patients who are immunocompromised, such as those who have HIV or AIDS. The number of warts and their size also plays a role in the number of treatments required.
Patients who are hesitant to use a prescription topical cream or gel should speak to their healthcare provider about the potential for side effects. Patients should also be advised to wash the treated area six to ten hours after application. The physician should also monitor the patient’s response to treatment. If the response is inadequate, the patient may need to transition to another therapy. The physician may also recommend a biopsy. Biopsies are recommended for warts that are hard to remove or warts that are fixed to the underlying structures, such as the vagina.
Patients who are immunocompromised should avoid using the medicine on the affected skin. In addition, patients who are pregnant should let their physicians know. This will allow the physician to prescribe the appropriate treatment for the patient. It is important to be aware that the recurrence rate of HPV warts is high, even after successful treatment. Moreover, women who are pregnant should use barrier protection (such as external condoms) when using topical treatments.
Diagnosis
Whether you are experiencing a sexually transmitted disease (STI) or are looking for a way to treat a condition, you should always consult with your physician. Genital warts are among the most common STIs, and they can be easily treated. The best treatments for genital warts are based on your needs and preferences. A comprehensive sexual history and examination should be obtained prior to deciding on a treatment option. However, some individuals may be hesitant to seek treatment for genital warts, due to embarrassment or the fear of recurrence.
According to the CDC, genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV types that cause genital warts are different than those that cause genital cancers. In fact, genital warts are usually caused by HPV types 6 and 11. Unlike HPV which causes cancer, HPV types that cause genital warts rarely cause cancer. However, there is evidence that HPV can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Genital warts are also more common among individuals who have been exposed to HPV through sexual intercourse. If you are pregnant, you should discuss your genital wart treatment options with your healthcare provider.
For people who have genital warts, treatment options include cryotherapy, surgical excision, and colposcopy. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to remove the wart. It is recommended for patients who have a tolerance for pain and are willing to undergo the procedure. Surgical excision is a more invasive treatment option and can be expensive. It is usually recommended for patients who are experiencing pain from their genital warts. In addition, a colposcopy can be performed to check the cervix and treat any genital warts that are located on or near the cervix. Medications that are used to treat genital warts include interferon, which is administered systemically or via electrodessication.
The diagnosis of genital warts is commonly based on the physical appearance of the lesions. Warts can be dome-shaped, pedunculated, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. A physical examination using magnification is another way to help the physician make a diagnosis. If a physician suspects that the lesions are caused by HPV, they should be biopsied to determine the type of HPV infection. Biopsies are often recommended for patients who are experiencing genital warts that are not responding to therapy.
Genital warts are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 28. However, they can be seen in both men and women. They can affect the anus, vulva, penis, or genitals. Genital warts can be diagnosed by your physician or by a sexual health specialist. If you are pregnant, genital warts may be more difficult to diagnose. They can be difficult to distinguish from bumps or other sex-related symptoms. Symptoms of genital warts include anal bleeding, burning, and itching.
In addition to the physical findings, physicians should also inquire about the patient’s history of HIV testing. This is especially important if the patient has been diagnosed with genital warts. This is because HPV is often associated with HIV infection, and the infection may be dormant in some individuals. It is also important to inquire about the patient’s cigarette smoking history. If a patient has smoked, the probability of having an HPV infection may be increased.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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