VENEREAL WARTS

What are Venereal Warts?

Venereal warts are warts which occur in the genital or anal region of the male or female. They are also often called "genital warts" or "condyloma" (medical name).

What Causes Venereal Warts?

Venereal warts are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus is contracted by direct contact (sexual) with another person who carries HPV. Many carriers are asymptomatic and unaware that they have the virus or any warts at all. It is estimated that there are 500,000 to 1 million new cases of venereal warts each year in the United States.

Diagnosing Venereal Warts

Often the diagnosis of venereal warts is obvious; typical warts may be seen on the penis or vaginal areas. At other times, diagnosing venereal warts can be difficult. Sometimes the warts can not be seen without the help of magnification. Often, it helps to soak the suspected area with 5% acetic acid (vinegar) and then examine with magnification. The acetic acid stains the venereal warts and causes them to become more visible.

The Bad News

Over recent years concern has increased regarding the diagnosis and treatment of venereal warts. This has occurred because we have learned that HPV & venereal warts are probably the main agents causing cancer of the cervix in women (and abnormal PAP exams). Most women with venereal warts will not get cancer of the cervix. Cancer of the cervix is relatively rare in the United States and is usually very well treated in its early stages, but it does represent some risk. Females with venereal warts or females who have partners with venereal warts should have frequent gynecologic evaluations including PAP smears. In the male, venereal warts have been reported to be associated with cancer of the penis. This is extremely rare.

Treatment Options

The treatment of venereal warts includes a number of different options:

Topical Therapy

For many years physicians have treated venereal warts with topically applied chemicals including podophyllin and trichloroacetic acid. These agents may be very effective, but may at times treat the warts incompletely.

Surgical Excision & Cautery

A more aggressive form of therapy for venereal warts includes surgical excision with or without electrocautery (electric burning). This form of therapy requires a small operative procedure (usually with local anesthetic).

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is more expensive and probably of similar efficacy to excision and cautery. It does, however, have a special place in treating venereal warts which are more extensive. Laser therapy seems to cause less adjacent tissue injury than cautery.

Other Treatments

Other treatments modalities used include interferon, 5- Fluorouracil, and cryotherapy (freezing). Some physicians use these modalities frequently and effectively. No one method of treatment seems to be superior.

Results of Treatment

Eradication of venereal warts can be difficult. Because all warts cannot always be seen, they often are not completely eliminated. For this reason close physician follow up is important. It is also important that sexual partners be closely followed and examined for venereal warts by their physician. With vigilant follow up and meticulous examination of both partners the chances of curing venereal warts increases substantially.

Information provided by GU Logic (800) 451-8107.

The information provided in this section should in no way serve as medical advice. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources and seek medical advice from a physician. Neither the authors nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation or publication of this work warrants that the information contained herein is in every respect accurate or complete and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained for the use of such information.

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