Genital Wart Treatment

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Feel better with treatment from Phoenix Skin! The caring and experienced professionals at Phoenix Skin Dermatology are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of genital warts and HPV. Located conveniently in Phoenix and Scottsdale, our providers have been treating genital warts (also known as penile warts, anal warts, vaginal warts, rectal warts) and HPV infections for over 20 years in a private, caring and compassionate manner.

If you think you have genital warts, please schedule an appointment with us at Phoenix Skin Dermatology. We offer online and telephonic appointment scheduling with Saturday office hours at our North Scottsdale location for your convenience and privacy. Should you need to know more about genital warts, send a confidential email to [email protected].

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are single bumps or clusters of bumps that appear in the genital areas (labia, penis, anus and rectum) of men and women. Genital warts are viral lesions that are small, flesh-colored growths, technically known as condyloma. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts can be found on both men and women and are generally passed between sexual partners through skin-to-skin contact.

Genital Warts In Men

Certain types of HPV infect the genital areas of men, including the skin on and around the penis or anus. They can also infect the mouth and throat. Below are some types of genital wart symptoms in men:

  • One or more growths on the penis, urethra, testicles, groin, thighs, or anus.
  • Single, grouped, raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped warts that are usually painless.
  • Warts may appear within a few weeks or even months after sexual contact with an infected person.
  • In some cases, the HPV virus is contracted but the carrier doesn’t know because the warts never manifest themselves externally. However, asymptomatic people can still pass the condition on to their sexual partners.

Genital Warts In Women

Certain types of HPV infect the genital areas, mouth, and throat of women. Below are some symptoms of genital warts in women:

  • The warts are typically characterized as grey or flesh-colored and develop on the labia, inside the vagina, cervix, and around the anus.
  • Many times, the appearance and continual presence of these warts are painless, but itching, unusual discharge, and redness may occur. 
  • Occasionally, sufferers of genital warts do experience a great deal of pain due to their advanced condition.
  • In some cases, HPV can be passed to an individual even if their partner has never had an outbreak and is not showing signs of an infection.

If you are experiencing genital warts, do not hesitate to reach out Phoenix Skin Dermatology. Our knowledgeable staff members will be happy to help you schedule a consultation with one of our certified medical dermatology professionals. 

Videos

Our Phoenix Skin Medical Director, Dr. Lee Laris, shares some insight about genital warts in men and women. Click on a video to learn more. 

What is HPV?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. The strain of human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes genital warts is often contracted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. You do not have to engage in penetrative intercourse to get HPV as it can be passed to others through direct skin-to-skin contact. HPV can cause warts on the genitals, hands and feet, face, or legs.

Men and women can get HPV and pass it to their partners without realizing it because HPV doesn’t always cause symptoms.

It is very important for women to get regular screenings for HPV as this is the only population with a test to detect abnormal cell changes that may be related to HPV. Currently, there are no universal tests to detect HPV in men. Rarely, Pap tests may be offered to men who receive anal sex and have HIV. Some strains of HPV can cause genital warts, while other types can cause cervical cancer in women and penile and anal cancer in men. Oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of throat, including the base of tongue and tonsils) can occur in both men and women.

HPV and HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) affects the body’s immune system to not work effectively. This weakening of the immune system allows other viruses and diseases to enter the body with diminished capability to defend itself. This means that someone may be at increased risk for HPV if they already have HIV. 

HPV and HSV

HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), commonly known as herpes, has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 refers to oral herpes and HSV-2 is genital herpes, you may get either type anywhere on your body. 

HPV and herpes share some similarities, so it is important to meet with your doctor to determine which, if either, virus you may have. Both HSV and HPV can show no signs or symptoms, can cause lesions on your genitals and mouth, and can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact.

How do you get genital warts?

Genital warts are very contagious and can be spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. 

Your Phoenix Skin Consultation

When you come to Phoenix Skin for a private consultation, you will meet with one of our medical professionals. They understand the personal nature of your visit, so they will do everything they can to help you feel comfortable. During this appointment, you will have the opportunity to share your experience with genital warts. 

Contact us to book your consultation. 

The professional working with you will inquire about your medical history and provide information about the condition and available treatments. They may need to examine your warts in order to determine an appropriate course of treatment. This discussion will result in the creation of a treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Genital Wart Treatments

Phoenix Skin provides different treatment measures for genital warts depending on certain factors, such as the size and location of the genital warts. Different treatments include medication, surgical removal, or cryotherapy (frozen off). The warts often need multiple treatments for complete resolution.

Treatment Types

  • Medication. Available medications are topical solutions that are applied directly to the warts. Some may cause mild irritation and itching. 
  • Surgical removal: Your doctor can physically remove the warts from your skin through surgical excision.
  • Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen will be applied directly to the genital warts to freeze the tissue. After which, it is given time to thaw. Usually, 3 or more treatment cycles are necessary for effective treatment. 

Please Note: The treatment for genital warts will only relieve sufferers of the symptoms and discomfort brought on by the virus. However, it will not eliminate HPV from their system and may not lower the chances of passing HPV to a partner since there is no cure for HPV.  

How much does treatment for genital warts cost in Arizona?

Treatment for genital warts is an individualized process. There are a number of factors that go into determining the appropriate course of treatment for your needs. Because of this, final costs may vary between patients. The only way to receive an accurate quote for your genital wart treatment is to attend a one-on-one consultation with a medical professional at Phoenix Skin. 

Phoenix Skin Medical Surgical Group is able to offer payment financing for patients who qualify. Also, you may be able to use your health insurance to cover part or all of the costs associated with diagnosing and treating genital warts. 

If you have any questions regarding payment, insurance, and/or financing options, call Phoenix Skin in Scottsdale at 480-473-9111 or Phoenix at 602-222-9111 to schedule your informative consultation today. 

FAQ

Why should genital warts be treated?

Early recognition and prompt treatment can help prevent later complications of genital warts. Complications of genital warts include cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, and mouth and throat. Being on a treatment regimen, including being monitored by a physician, can help reduce sexual or congenital transmission of HPV. Treatments for genital warts can help reduce symptoms, but will not cure the disease. 

What should I expect during my office visit?

Our caring staff at Phoenix Skin Dermatology can usually diagnose genital warts through direct visual examination. This involves a thorough examination of the thighs and the pelvic region, as well as the mouth and throat areas. In some instances a biopsy of a lesion is necessary to confirm the presence of HPV.

What should I do after treatment?

The Phoenix Skin staff will schedule follow-up visits after the treatment to ensure the absence of recurrences as genital warts can be very resistant to treatment. Post-treatment care guidelines are also given to all patients.

Are genital warts diagnosis and treatment covered by insurance?

Yes. Please contact our office to verify we accept your insurance plan.

Additional Resources

  1. Mayo Clinic. (2019). HPV Infection. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
  2. American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Genital Warts: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/genital-warts-overview 
  3. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Warts – Genital. Retrieved from https://www.aocd.org/page/WartsGenital