Cryotherapy for genital warts

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HPV. However, fear not as, luckily, some of the symptoms of HPV can be treated successfully. 

We spoke with Dr Wayne Cottrell, a general practitioner who is an expert in treating sexually transmitted infections, to discuss warts caused by HPV and how cryotherapy can remove them.
 

What is cryotherapy for genital warts?

Cryotherapy is when we use a very cold substance (liquid nitrogen) to freeze lesions, including but not limited to, genital warts.

Is it an effective treatment?

Yes, I recommend cryotherapy as a first-line treatment for genital warts. It is very effective and has a high clearance rate. However, the virus can persist under the skin, so recurrences are common. However, with time and regular treatment, it depletes the amount of virus in the area, and treatment becomes more and more successful.

What is involved in the cryotherapy for genital warts treatment?

The first part is an examination of the whole area to make a diagnosis and confirm if they are indeed warts. The procedure itself is quick and can usually be done within a minute or two, but that depends on the number of warts present, the location and size. We give short bursts of freeze for up to 10 seconds and then let the lesions thaw.

Depending on the size and patient tolerance, we can retreat the same lesion up to three times in a session. It can be a bit painful, so we decide how much can be done in one session. I recommend coming back for follow up treatments as soon as the skin has healed (seven to 10 days). If you leave a longer period of time between the treatments, you will always just be treating the top few mm of the lesion. If you retreat frequently and treat aggressively in the beginning, you have a better chance of clearing warts.

Is there anything people who had cryotherapy for genital warts should do after the procedure?

Luckily, if there is any pain, it usually subsides quickly after treatment. Therefore, no special care is needed, although I advise Sitz baths if it is a bit painful as it can also be helpful for healing.

What happens if genital warts are left untreated?

They will usually spread locally, and depending on where they are, they can be quite problematic (anus, vagina, inside urethra etc). Whilst the lesions are there, they are unsightly and can transmit easily via sexual contact.

There is also a possibility that there might be high-risk HPV in the area too, which, if left untreated, can develop into cancer. Some people will clear the virus naturally after 18-24 months, but this is not very common as most people won’t abstain from sex that long and can pick up new types and be reinfected.

How should people reduce the risk of recurring episodes of genital warts? 

The most important thing is to get vaccinated. This will reduce the risk of picking up new strains. Condoms help protect a bit against infection with HPV/GW, but not entirely. Avoid shaving, waxing etc., in the area. If you smoke, you should quit.

If you will require treatment for genital warts, we recommend booking an appointment with an expert such as Dr Wayne Cottrell to freeze them. It’s best to attend to them as soon as possible.