GENITAL WARTS (CONDYLOMA ACCUMINATA)



Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.

Genital Warts (Condyloma Accuminata) for Hamilton, Grimsby and Stoney Creek

General Information:

  • Genital warts are caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
  • HPV warts may affect the penis, scrotum, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, anus, cervix and vulva.
  • Condylomas (Genital Warts) are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection.
  • Contact with warts on other parts of the body (e.g. hands, soles) does not cause genital warts.
  • Warts may appear weeks, months or years after sexual relations with an infected person, or they may never appear at all. This makes it difficult to know exactly when or from whom an infected person got the virus.
  • Over the counter wart treatments should not be used for genital warts. They are not designed to be used on sensitive genital skin.
  • An affected person should abstain from intercourse until all of the warts have disappeared and they know that their partner does not have any warts either.
  • Spermicidal foams, creams and jellies DO NOT protect against HPV and genital warts.
  • Condoms do NOT protect against genital warts as the virus may be present on the thighs, abdomen or buttocks.

Treatment:

  • There are many different treatment options and no single treatment works for everyone. Usually multiple treatments (on average about 6) are required to eliminate genital warts. Different treatments include:

  • Liquid Nitrogen

    • A cold freezing spray that is applied in the office.
    • It causes the warts to become red, swollen, and crusty.
    • They may turn black or fall off.
    • It is safe to bathe or shower immediately after a treatment.
  • Creams

    • A variety of creams are available.
    • Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
  • Laser Therapy

    • This treatment is reserved for more severe cases.
    • It involves "burning" off the warts.  This produces open areas which heal.
    • It has the potential to produce scarring and the warts may return.
  • Surgery

    • This treatment is reserved for more severe cases.
    • It involves "cutting out" the warts. 
    • The areas removed may or may not be closed with stitches.
    • It has the potential to produce scarring and the warts may return.

  • Because the virus can lie dormant in the skin, warts can return months or years after any of the above treatments. In other cases they many never return.
  • If you are interested in learning most about sexually transmitted disease, please click here.