Treatment Overview
Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) destroys
genital warts by freezing them with liquid
nitrogen.
- A doctor applies liquid nitrogen to and around
the warts.
- First, the tissue is frozen with liquid nitrogen. Then,
the tissue is allowed to thaw. The tissue is frozen again, if needed. The time
of application varies by the doctor who applies the liquid nitrogen and the
size of the warts.
- The size and thickness of the warts determine
the number and length of freeze/thaw cycles. Up to three treatments may be
needed.
- You may have a mild to moderate burning sensation during the
treatment.
- Genital warts in the
urethra or anus usually require the most treatments
because the warts may be far inside the opening.
Cryotherapy is usually done in your doctor's office or
clinic. A magnifying instrument may be used to see the abnormal tissue
better.
What To Expect After Treatment
Recovery time depends on the location
and number of warts removed. Healing usually occurs within 1 to 3 weeks. After
treatment the following may occur:
- Irritation, soreness, or mild pain may occur
after the procedure.
- You may have swelling.
- You may
have dead tissue shed off.
- Sores or blisters may form.
Men and women
For men and women who have had
cryotherapy for external genital warts, call your doctor
for any of the following:
- A fever
- Continued
bleeding
- Bad-smelling or yellowish discharge, which may indicate an
infection
- Continued pain
Avoid intercourse until the treated area heals and the
soreness is gone.
Women
Be aware of the following after treatment
for vaginal or cervical warts:
- A watery vaginal discharge may occur for
about 1 to 3 weeks.
- Sanitary napkins should be used instead of
tampons for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Avoid sexual intercourse or douching
until the treated area heals, usually in 1 to 3 weeks.
Men
Men treated for genital warts on the penis,
scrotum, or in the urethra should avoid sexual intercourse until the treated
area is healed and the soreness is gone. This is usually 1 to 3 weeks,
depending on the size of the area treated.
Why It Is Done
Cryotherapy may be done when genital
warts are visible, growing in a small area (especially near the anus), and
bothersome.
Cryotherapy usually is not used when genital warts are
widespread.
How Well It Works
Experts agree that cryotherapy can
be helpful in removing genital warts.1 But warts may
grow back. More than one treatment may be needed. In some studies, cryotherapy
removed up to 90% of warts.2
The removal
of genital warts may not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus
may remain in the body in an inactive state after warts are removed.
Risks
There are few complications after cryotherapy.
Scarring is a slight risk.
The number and severity of side effects
depend on the number of freeze/thaw cycles used during cryotherapy and how
large an area was treated.
What To Think About
Cryotherapy for external genital
warts can be used safely during pregnancy.
Treating genital warts
may not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus may remain in
the body in an inactive state after warts are removed. A person treated for
genital warts may still be able to spread the infection. Condoms may help
reduce the risk of HPV infection.
The benefits and effectiveness
of each type of treatment need to be compared with the side effects and cost.
Discuss this with your doctor.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.
References
Citations
- Buck HW Jr (2007). Warts (genital), search date
February 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence.
Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
- American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (2005, reaffirmed 2009). Human papillomavirus. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 61.
Obstetrics and Gynecology,
105(4): 905–918.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 28, 2010 |
|---|
Buck HW Jr (2007). Warts (genital), search date
February 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence.
Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (2005, reaffirmed 2009). Human papillomavirus. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 61.
Obstetrics and Gynecology,
105(4): 905–918.
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