Genital Warts
The only way to effectively treat genital warts is prescription treatments and procedures, administered by an expert in the dermatology field. At Advanced Dermatology in Midtown Manhattan, Harlem and the Bronx, New York, the dedicated and experienced certified practitioners offer powerful remedies like cryotherapy, laser surgery, and prescription medications. Book your appointment through the online booking tool or by phone today.
Genital Warts Q & A
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are bumps that develop in and around your genital area. They appear in both men and women. Genital warts come from human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transferred through sexual contact. You can get HPV through genital, anal, and oral contact.
What are the signs of HPV infection?
In many cases, there are no indicators of HPV infection at all. However, if you do develop genital warts, they usually start as a small bump or cluster of bumps within your genital area. Genital warts can vary considerably in appearance, from small to large and from round to cauliflower-shaped.
If you develop genital warts, they may appear long after you had sexual contact with someone with HPV. It may take weeks or even months to see the first sign of genital warts.
How are genital warts treated?
Genital wart treatment depends on your specific needs. At Advanced Dermatology, your provider typically prescribes one of the following types of treatment:
- Cryotherapy: warts are frozen off using a spray
- Removal: removal options include surgical excision, laser removal, and electrocautery
- Topical cream or gel: options include Condylox® and Aldara®
- Topical resin: Podocon-25® is a topical wart-removal resin applied by your provider
If you have genital warts, seeing a professional is vital. You can’t treat genital warts with over-the-counter remedies, and they often don’t go away on their own. It’s easier to treat genital warts if you seek help right away, so don’t hesitate to get the help you need.
How can I prevent genital warts in the future?
HPV vaccinations like Gardasil®9 protect you from the types of HPV that lead to most cervical cancers. They also protect you from genital warts in most cases.
Gardasil 9 is recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls, or for girls and women from 13-26 who didn’t have the vaccinations at those ages. Gardasil 9 is also recommended for boys and men from 9-26.
Having a single sexual partner minimizes your exposure to HPV, genital warts, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms can add extra protection, but it’s possible for HPV to transfer person-to-person in other areas. The only 100% certain way to avoid HPV, genital warts, and STDs, in general, is no sexual activity.
Put your genital warts behind you now. Book online or call Advanced Dermatology to schedule your appointment today.