Δερματολογια – Πλαστικη Χειρουργικη
Genital Warts
Treatment of Genital Warts
Targeted Laser Treatment in just 1 visit!
Genital Warts are the most frequent reason for a visit to Dermatologists in terms of checking problems of the genital area and certainly an obstacle to a person's sexual life. With the sophisticated CO2 Laser, you can treat them in a targeted, discreet and effective way, even in just 1 visit and restore the balance in your relationship.
| Treatment Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Duration of Result | Permanent |
| Pain Level | Absolutely Tolerable |
| Anaesthesia | Local Anaesthesia |
| Treatment Cost | From 100€ |
| Result is Visible | Immediately |
| Recovery Time | Within 1 week |
The Best Treatments for Genital Warts!
Laser CO2 for Genital Warts
Laser treatment is the most modern and effective method for treating genital warts. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics you will find the original medical device and the treatments are always applied by Dermatologists. The sophisticated CO2 Laser acts selectively on the warts, destroying them with the thermal energy of the Laser, without affecting the surrounding healthy skin.
The great advantage of the Laser is the customised treatment, as the Doctor can adjust the parameters of the treatment, such as the wavelength, the energy, the diameter of the light beam of the Laser and others, depending on the individual needs of each patient. This allows targeted treatment of genital warts, offering maximum effectiveness.
Laser genital wart treatment is painless, as it is always preceded by the local application of anaesthetic cream. The healing is fast and does not leave scars or discoloration on the skin of the sensitive area, like the older methods. After treatment, the return to daily activities is immediate. The treatment is literally done within minutes of your time and you are detangled quickly and effectively, as with this method, damage can be eliminated in a single session.
Advantages of Laser Removal
Short
Procedure
Without Pain
Without Scars
Without
Recovery Time
Without
Side Effects
Personalised
Treatment
Without
Pain
Without
Scars
Without
Recovery Time
Personalised
Treatment
Short
Procedure
Without
Side Effects
Removal of Genital Warts with Laser CO2 Step by Step
Medical History - Problem Assessment
Before the actual treatment, the medical examination by the Doctor always precedes. At this consultation, the Doctor will assess the number of lesions that need to be treated and where they are located and the appropriate treatment plan will be created.
Preparation
Preparation for the Laser begins with thorough cleaning of the affected areas and antisepsis. Then a local anaesthetic cream is applied, so that any discomfort is reduced to a minimum and the treatment will be completely tolerable. After 20 minutes, the area is ready for the Laser, the anaesthetic cream is removed and the skin is disinfected again.
Application of the CO2 Laser
The CO2 Laser parameters are adjusted by the Doctor for the effectiveness of your treatment. As long as all the necessary adjustments of the device are made, the sublimation of the lesions starts locally, without affecting the healthy tissues in the surrounding areas. The important thing is that you feel absolutely nothing and there is no unpleasant discomfort during application.
Instructions after Treatment
After the treatment is completed, the area is disinfected and an antibiotic cream is applied to avoid any possible infection. The session ends with the instructions that will be given in detail by the Doctors of our Clinics for the procedure, so that you get the maximum possible results after your treatment.
Older Methods of Treating Genital Warts
Neither of these two methods are used in our Clinics, as they leave scars on the skin and are not as effective, compared to the Laser.
Cryotherapy of Genital Warts
Cryotherapy is a treatment that has been used for many years in Dermatology to treat various benign skin lesions, including genital warts. In this method liquid nitrogen spray is used and sprayed over the lesions, as a result of which they are cooled and thus destroyed. It is an easy procedure, relatively inexpensive and does not require the use of local anaesthesia.
As the area is being sprayed, more than one damage can be caught at the same time. However, its effectiveness as a treatment is not the same as the effectiveness of Laser CO2, as it needs more than one session to damage warts. Each session is repeated after 2 weeks to 1 month.
Another disadvantage of this treatment is that it can create white scars in the area, due to the cooling in the depth of the dermis and due to the process that needs to be repeated several times to eliminate the damage. Furthermore, cryotherapy has a very high rate of recurrence of genital warts compared to Laser CO2.
Electrocautery - Electrocoagulation of Warts
Cauterization is one of the oldest methods of treating genital warts, by burning them with the use of electricity. The electrocauterization of warts is done using a special unipolar diathermy device and the recovery time is 2-3 weeks.
For this specific treatment, the use of local anaesthesia with injection is required, while at the same time there is a risk that it will leave scars in the area and hypopigmentation afterwards. The long recovery time and the very high rate of recurrence of genital warts compared to Laser CO2, are among the disadvantages of the treatment.
Topical Treatments of Genital Warts with Creams
Their big advantage is that they are easy to apply at home and that they are an economical treatment. Their disadvantages are that they are effective only on very mild and small lesions, they irritate the skin of the genital area while they are applied and they require long periods of treatment.
They are mainly used as maintenance therapy to reduce relapses or in patients who wish to be treated at home. The three main types of ingredients are:
Podophyllotoxin (0.15% cream and 0.15% solution): This treatment is applied topically and helps to limit the proliferation of the virus. It is important to note that it is irritating to healthy skin and is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Imiquimod (cream): Imiquimod is an immunomodulatory drug that stimulates the immune system, helping it to produce substances that fight viral particles. Treatment with imiquimod can last up to 4 months.
Synecatechins (ointment): Synecatechins are antiviral substances, prepared from green tea leaf extract. They are used locally by stimulating the immune system and thus helping to deal with the infection. They should be applied up to 16 weeks and cause irritation of healthy skin during their use. Caution should be taken in immunocompromised patients, people with genital herpes and pregnant women, as the safety of their use has not been established.
Genital Warts Removal - Treatment Cost
The right choice of Doctor plays an important role in the outcome of the removal and in the final aesthetic result. It should be a qualified Dermatologist - Venereologist with excellent knowledge of anatomy and many years of experience.
Do not be convinced by very low prices (e.g. 50-60 euros) and trust your health in the hands of non-specialized Doctors, as then you will need to pay double and triple to qualified Doctors to correct their mistakes.
In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, the removal of genital warts is done only with the medical CO2 Laser device and the cost is affordable for everyone and starts from 100 euros.
What are Genital Warts?
Genital Warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease and are benign lesions caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Viruses) and develop in the genital and anal area. Both men and women can get them and they are transmitted through sexual contact .
Areas that genital warts appear in men are the penis, scrotum, groins and perianal region.
In women it is the vagina, vulva, cervix, groins and perianal region. Less commonly we can find them in the oral cavity, lips and larynx.
What Types of HPV cause Genital Warts?
There are around 200 subtypes of HPV, but those that affect the skin and genitals are 40. About 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV 6 and 11.
In the remaining cases, other subtypes are detected and in some cases also high-risk subtypes such as HPV 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35.
The coexistence of infection with high-risk HPV subtypes implies a future risk for the appearance of precancerous lesions in the genitals and anus.
How are Genital Warts spread?
If the skin and mucosa of your genitals rub against the corresponding skin or mucosa of an infected person, the virus enters your epithelium and thus the infection begins. The most common ways of transmission are:
- Vaginal intercourse
- Anal intercourse
- Oral sex
- Intense rubbing of the genital area with infected fingers or use of sex toys
The condom offers some protection against the transmission of genital warts, but it is not completely effective and does not offer 100% protection, since it only covers the body of the penis and does not cover the base of the penis, nor the perigenital area (pubic area, inguinal folds, anal area) where lesions are often found. Warts are present in these surrounding areas and in fact many times are small, indiscernible lesions and are transmitted by intense friction during sexual intercourse.
How Genital Warts look like?
Small and flat warts may be covered by the hair growth of the pubic and genital area which makes them more difficult to be detected and in some cases they may initially go unnoticed, looking like small pimples or moles and this may delay their correct diagnosis.
At first, the genital warts are small in size and flat, but over time, they grow and become visible and palpable lesions, protruding from the skin and resembling small papillomas.
They usually have the colour of the skin, but they can also be darker brownish lesions, with a soft or rough texture. Those found on the mucous membranes (inside the labia, in the vagina, on the cervix and in the anal canal) are pink or whitish.
How are Genital Warts diagnosed?
The diagnosis of genital warts is made by clinical examination by a qualified Dermatologist. Warts are painless and usually cause no symptoms and many times they are discovered by the individuals themselves, who then seek help from specialised Doctors.
If a woman has genital warts in the vulva or perianal area during the clinical examination, then she should be referred to a Gynaecologist for an endoscopic examination of the vaginal and anal canal and a Pap test.
If a man shows on clinical examination genital warts in the urethra or perianal area, then he should be referred to a Urologist for endoscopic examination of the urethra and anal canal.
In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, the subtype of the HPV viruses is always tested, so that we know whether our patient belongs to a high or low risk group for the development of cancerous lesions.
HPV and Subtypes
Identifying the type of HPV is extremely important before treatment, as some types of the virus can be oncogenic and that changes the monitoring and treatment plan. The identification is done with the DNA test for the detection of HPV viruses and with this test we can also determine whether the virus is low or high risk.
It is applied to all HPV lesions, both in men and women, either by taking a tissue sample from the lesion or by cervical smear in women and urethral smear in men.
Genital Warts on Men
Warts in men can appear in the genital, perianal, groins and oral areas and specifically on the penis, scrotum, urethra, anus and oral cavity. Many men do not even know they have warts, as in the beginning when the lesions are small, they may be covered by the intense hair growth of the area. Also, in uncircumcised men, warts located on the glans penis may be hidden by the outer skin.
However, even the smallest, inconspicuous warts are highly contagious and it is important to treat them in time because even a single sexual intercourse is enough to transmit the virus to a sexual partner. In addition, over time, they tend to grow and spread through friction to neighbouring areas of the skin. A man is not protected by wearing a condom, as the condom covers only the shaft of the penis and nothing else.
A man can be diagnosed with clinical examination by a Dermatologist or a Urologist. The Doctor will decide whether a urethroscopy will be needed and also a proctoscopy in case that there are lesions in the perianal area.
Genital Warts on Women
Genital warts in women can appear in the genital, perianal, groins and oral area and appear mainly in the pubic area, vulva, vaginal walls and perianal area, while they can also be transferred to the oral cavity during sexual intercourse and they affect the inner side of the lips, tongue, palate and pharynx. It is possible for a woman to have warts only inside her vagina (which are not visible to the naked eye) and transmit them during sexual intercourse to her partner.
Although genital warts generally do not cause pain, some women may feel a sensation of discomfort or itching in the area and increased vaginal discharge or light bleeding during intercourse. Over time, they tend to grow and spread through friction to neighbouring areas of the skin.
In fact, during pregnancy, they tend to spread particularly quickly due to hormonal fluctuations and the weakening of the immune system, although they are not threatening to the development of the baby. However, they must be treated to prevent the virus from being transmitted from the mother to the infant during childbirth and of course, for these women, the delivery is always done by caesarean section.
A woman can be diagnosed with a clinical examination by a Dermatologist or a Gynecologist who performs a Pap test, as well as a colposcopy. However, the Doctors will decide whether it will be necessary for her to be checked also with proctoscopy.
Anal Genital Warts
For anal genital warts, the best examination for the correct diagnosis is a proctoscopy and a rectal Pap test. Multiple sexual partners, anal intercourse without a condom, sex toys and immunosuppression due to AIDS increase the chance of HPV anal infection.
Infection in the anus in homosexuals reaches 60% and when infection of the HPV virus with the HIV virus coexists, then the frequency of HPV infection reaches up to 90%.
Genital Warts & Prevention with the HPV Vaccine
A very important issue is vaccination to prevent HPV infection. Vaccination is done with a 9-potency vaccine for nine subtypes of HPV, which covers about 95% of all infections. These subtypes include common infectious subtypes and those that cause cancers. Vaccination prevents the occurrence of cancers of the anus, cervix and mouth.
Vaccination has been established for men and women up to 26 years of age and up to 45 years for homosexuals and HIV-positive people. Vaccination is not only preventive, but also treats the existing infection with HPV (anal warts, anal dysplasias) by significantly strengthening the body's immunity.
In addition to vaccination, the following preventive measures are also recommended:
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Be careful in choosing a sexual partner
- Monogamous relationships are considered ideal
- Condom use is about 70% protective and is recommended
- Preventive annual screening of women with Pap smears and HPV tests, to identify any precancerous changes in the cervix in time
Why should I choose Derm & Plastic Clinic for Genital Warts Removal?
Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics are specialised Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinics. In our premises, diagnostic examinations are carried out daily only by the Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons of our Clinics our Clinics, who have specialised in the CO2 Laser Removal and not by non-qualified Doctors or even worse non-Doctors, as is the case in some other medical practices.
In our Clinics we have state-of-the-art equipment of the medical surgical Lasers, similar to those of big private hospitals in Athens.
For us, the removal of genital warts is treated as a medical procedure and the necessary time and attention and diligence are given, both during the removal and during the recovery period of our patients.
Meet the Derm & Plastic Way of Life We are ensuring the quality of the services provided to you and for us the removal of genital warts is also a treatment in premium spaces, with hygienic standards and ventilation of the spaces. Because it is important in addition to good medical devices, to feel well and be treated in beautiful modern rooms and not to perform medical procedures in old and depressive spaces, with dubious hygienic conditions and controls.
At the Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, we offer high quality medical services, with the highest standards and at extremely affordable prices (value for money). All you have to do is to book your appointment at one of our two modern Clinics, where we will inform you about our medical protocols!
Derm & Plastic TV
Myths & Truths about Genital Warts
Myth: Can I get Genital Warts from using a public toilet or pool?
Truth: Is this a widely held belief or is it just an excuse? But this is not true at all, as these particular virus’ subtypes that cause genital warts cannot live outside the human body. They live only in the human body and are transmitted when there is intense friction during sexual intercourse, so the genital warts are always sexually transmitted.
Myth: If I'm diagnosed with Genital Warts does that mean my partner is cheating on me?
Truth: It would be good not to come to conclusions and not to accuse anyone without the corresponding medical data. You may even be a carrier of the virus yourself and have been in contact with the virus months or even years ago without knowing it, as the virus was asymptomatic on you. The virus can remain suppressed for a long time or even years and appear at a time when your body will be in a period of stress and you will have low immunity.
Myth: If I've been vaccinated for HPV I don't need a Pap test
Truth: The vaccination can protect us from some subtypes that are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers, but not all. For this reason the Pap Smear and the gynaecological examination should be an integral part of your annual check-up.
Myth: Genital Warts can turn into cancer
Truth: Most genital warts are not related to cancer. However, certain HPV subtypes that cause genital warts are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. For this reason in our Clinics, alongside with the diagnosis of warts, molecular testing is always done to see which subtypes our patients have. Regular screening and also vaccination can help prevent these cancers which are related to certain subtypes of HPV.
Myth: HPV is only a threat to women
Truth: It's a virus that can affect both men and women, but it's more well-known because of its association with cervical cancer. According to research by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is responsible for 60% of penile cancers, as well as 90% of rectal cancers in men.
Frequent Questrions about Genital Warts
Yes, it is possible, as the condom does not protect the entire genital area, but only the shaft of the penis, leaving the other areas uncovered. In these areas there are usually warts and during contact there is friction and the virus can thus be transmitted.
When a person is sexually active and especially when they have many sexual partners then there are chances of getting infected. That’s why the HPV vaccination is recommended in the National Immunization Program for girls and boys and is given free of charge, as it can protect against the most common types of the virus. Also the use of a condom is important and should be always done, despite not protecting 100%. Of course it goes without saying that being monogamous and being very careful with your sexual partner helps a lot.
In most cases, it usually takes a few weeks to a few months from the day of infection until visible lesions appear. However, you may be infected and not yet have visible warts. You may get the virus and it remains in a latent state in your body, even for years, without making its appearance. During this time you are a carrier of the virus without obvious symptoms and you can transmit the virus to your partner through sexual contact. The only way to find out whether or not you have an HPV infection is to do a PCR molecular test.
It is not possible to know exactly when and from whom you got infected, unless it is your first sexual intercourse.
If your partner has now visible genital warts, you have a 60-70% chance of getting infected, because the viral load, which is transmitted with every sexual intercourse, is high. If your partner has had warts recently and has been treated and it hasn't been at least 6 months since they were treated, you have a 20% chance of getting infected, because there is still a viral load in the area.
In this case, it is recommended that her partner should be examined as a preventive measure and in any case, it is advisable to examine men who notice some changes in their penis.
Genital warts should concern very active sexual people, whether women or men who often change sexual partners, as well as people who do not follow safe sex rules and condom protection.
There are people who when infected with the virus will only develop visible lesions once and after treatment they may be lucky and never have a recurrence. These patients are the minority and it is truly unpredictable, if a patient falls into this category. For the majority, even after the treatments, the virus never leaves the body and remains dormant inside the cells for a long time. Thus most patients may relapse and manifest symptoms several times during their lifetime and in each of these relapses they should seek treatment in time.
When the infection with the virus predates the pregnancy, then in some cases, due to hormonal changes and stress, the genital warts may flare up again. Nevertheless, the infection should not cause concern, as it does not create any problem in the development of the baby. For this reason, it is very important to check the cervix in all pregnant women and especially in those who have not had a Pap test in the one year period before pregnancy. In any case when a pregnant woman has an HPV infection, a caesarean section should be performed to avoid transferring the virus to the newborn infant through the vagina.
If you have visible genital warts you should get treatment immediately. At this stage you are highly contagious and therefore we recommend that you do not have sexual contacts until you have treated the warts. However, you should be aware that for about 6 months after the last wart disappears, you can easily transmit the infection to others, so it is good to use a condom in your sexual contacts.
We would say that the existence of hair on the genitals prevents the correct control and early diagnosis of genital warts, in case they recur. That’s why we ideally want the genital area to be hairless. However, shaving is not the appropriate way, as with the razor the virus is transferred to the surrounding areas and this increases the appearance of genital warts in neighbouring areas that did not exist before. That’s why Laser Hair Removal should be performed on these people, a method that also helps in the definitive and permanent treatment of hair growth.
If you have a question about this treatment that is not answered in the text above, please send your question to the Doctor. Don't send questions about treatment costs and prices, as these are only formulated after the medical consultation, either in person at our Clinics or by Online Consultation.
Book an appointment and come to one of our Clinics or if you don't have time or live far away, request a video call consultation first and then come directly for your treatment.
