Genital warts

Alternative names:

condyloma; condylomata acuminata; human papilloma virus (HPV); penile warts; venereal wart

Treatment:

Topical treatments to eradicate the lesions include trichloroacetic acid, podophyllum, and liquid nitrogen.

Surgical treatments include cryosurgery, electrocauterization, laser therapy, or surgical excision.

Sexual partners need to be examined by a health care provider and treated if warts are noted. Abstinence or use of condoms should be practiced until both partners are free of the disease.

A follow-up examination by the health care provider should be done every few weeks after initial treatment, then self examination can be initiated, with the patient returning to the health care provider if warts reoccur.

Women with a history of genital warts, and women partners of men with a history of genital warts, should have Pap smears at least every 6 months (affected women may be advised to have Pap smears every 3 months after initial treatment of cervical warts).

Expectations (prognosis):

With adequate identification and treatment, HPV outbreaks can usually be controlled. Lesions frequently reappear after treatment.

Complications:

At least 60 types of human papilloma virus have been identified, several of which have been associated with cervical and vulvar cancer. Lesions may become numerous and quite large, requiring more extensive treatment and follow-up procedures.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a sexual partner is found to have genital warts, or if any of the described symptoms are noted. Adolescents appear to be extremely susceptible to HPV, and those having intercourse at a young age should be evaluated for HPV infection.