How are Genital Warts (HPV) Treated?

Question: How are Genital Warts (HPV) Treated?

Answer: In the absence of symptoms, HPV is not treated. Pre-cancerous cervical changes are treated, by your physician, according to your actual diagnosis. Genital warts can be left untreated, or treated by one of the regimens below. Treatment does not cure HPV infection, and warts may reoccur.

The drug regimens below are taken from the the Centers for Disease Control 2006 STD treatment guidelines. Remember that only your doctor can say which treatment is right for you.

Recommended Regimens for External Genital Warts

Patient-Applied:

Podofilox* 0.5% solution or gel. The gel is applied to visible warts twice a day for 3 days, followed by 4 days of no therapy. This cycle can be repeated up to 4 times
OR
Imiquimod 5% cream*. This cream is applied daily at bedtime, three times a week, for up to 16 weeks.

Physician-Administered:

Cryotherapy warts can be frozen off with liquid nitrogen or a cryoprobe. This can be repeated every 1–2 weeks.
OR
Podophyllin resin 10%–25%* in a compound tincture of benzoin that is applied directly to the warts. This can be repeated weekly, if needed.
OR
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or Bichloroacetic acid (BCA) 80%–90%* that is applied directly to the warts. This can be repeated weekly, if needed.
OR
Surgical removal

Alternative Regimens

Intralesional interferon
OR
Laser surgery

*The safety of these treatments during pregnancy is unknown.