Treatment of Penile Genital Warts

About the disease

Penile genital warts develop on the surface of the penis as a result of an infection of the papillomavirus. This contagious virus is transmitted by intimate genital contact with an infected person, for example sexual intercourse without the use of a condom or other barrier contraception. The warts are usually visible, appearing on the external layer of the skin. Engaging in unprotected sex with many sexual partners increases the risk of catching an STI, such as genital warts.

Having a bout of genital warts is very common, with millions of people being affected by it every year. According to Medical News Today, 65% of people who have been in sexual contact with an infected person will develop genital warts and then pass it on to somebody else before they even know they have been infected. This is because penile genital warts do not usually manifest themselves immediately after sexual intercourse with an infected person. In most cases, these warts will develop 3 months after contact with the papillomavirus. In some people, they appear years after the sexual contact with an infected person took place.

Genital warts rarely cause any significant complications, as long as they are treated quickly. (However, there is ongoing research into a link between an infection of the papillomavirus and penile cancer.) Genital warts can also be contracted through oral sex, resulting in warts in the mouth or throat, which is more serious. People who have already contracted other infections, such as herpes, are more likely to develop genital warts upon contact with an infected person.   

Symptoms

• Small bumps on or around the genitals
• Bumps are usually flesh colored
• There can be several bumps, located close to each other

Diagnosis

• During a general examination, the doctor will examine the patient’s penis, scrotum and anus, to see whether the patient has genital warts there.
• The doctor will ask the patient about their sexual history, including the amount of sexual partners they have had and whether or not they use barrier contraception, such as a condom.
• The doctor will ask the patient whether their sexual partner(s) have also had a medical check-up for genital warts.
• If genital warts are not visible during the check-up, but the patient believes they have put themselves at risk of catching them, they may need to visit the doctor again in a few months.
• A biopsy of the area where genital warts are usually located will be performed if there is any suspicion of malignancy.

Treatment

• Conservative treatment, such as a topical cream, is usually sufficient to get rid of genital warts. This will need to be administered several times per week over a period of time.
• Genital warts can also be frozen off by cryotherapy or destroyed by laser.
• Surgery may be necessary if the above methods are not possible or have been unsuccessful. This should rid the patient of all signs of infection.

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko