Genital warts are mainly caused by an infection resulting from an exposure to the human pappiloma virus (HPV). Though there are no known cures for these infections, there are ways in which the warts they cause can be removed. Most genital warts may disappear without any treatment. Some may even leave behind a small fleshy growth. Nobody can say whether these will recur. The following genital wart treatments are commonly followed:

•    Initially, the doctor may put you on some medications which will make the warts disappear in a few days. The common genital wart creams prescribed are podofilox and Imiquimod. Podofilox may be used locally for the treatment of warts. It should be applied with either a cotton swab or the fingers. You will be advised to let the medication dry before you move around. This is usually done to prevent local irritation in the area.  This medication is not to be used for urethral or rectal lesions. Imiquimod may be applied in a thin layer and then washed off after 6 to 8 hours. Sexual contact is to be avoided at this time. If genital wart creams are not effective, or if your condition warrants it, your doctor may also prescribe alternative means of treatment.

•    Other treatments for these warts may include fluorouracil cream. However, these creams are not usually recommended because they have a high rate of side effects and have been known to cause teratogenicity. However, your doctor may directly inject the chemical into the lesions itself.

•    Trichloroacetic Acid. Treatment is also used in a number of occasions.

•    The advantage of these creams is that they can be used in the privacy of your room and do not need application by an expert. You should avoid the over the counter medications that are commonly available for the treatment of these warts. They may cause local irritation and cause more damage than benefit.

•    Cryotherapy is another alternative means of genital warts removal. It is usually recommended for people who have a small number of warts. It may be used with a liquid nitrogen spray or an applicator. It is applied for around 10 seconds. Your doctor may also use local anesthesia if the area is big or if the warts are present in many areas.

•    The doctor may also surgically remove the warts up to the dermal- epidermal level. However, this process may cause scarring of the tissues surrounding the area. Your doctor may remove these in one visit only. You may also need to refer to a specialist. This is the best method to go for if a large area is involved.

•    The doctor might also try Electrocautery or the use of electric current to burn off the warts.

•    Laser treatment may also be tried. The most common method of treatment is the use of carbon dioxide laser. This is especially effective for people who have HIV or very large warts.

The treatments followed for genital warts removal may also have certain side effects. These may include discomfort and pain at the site and epithelial erosion. You may also suffer from ulceration at the site and loss of pigmentation. When going for treatment, ensure that it is restricted to the exact area where the warts are present. You may also need to consult specialists in order to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.

When you are going for these treatments, it is important for you to remember that these treatments will only get rid of the warts; they will not cure the HPV infection. There is no guarantee that they will not recur in the future. You need to understand that people who are affected by this virus are at an increased risk for developing cancers of the cervix or the genital organs. Women who have been treated for these warts should go for regular checkups and pap smears.

Genital wart treatments may use any of the treatments mentioned above. The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of your case and the area affected. Based on an evaluation of these conditions, the doctor will prescribe the right one for you.