HPV and Genital Warts Treatment

How is HPV Transmitted?

HPV transmission occurs through various routes, not limited to classic sexual intercourse. Key transmission modes include:

• Direct contact during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Genital skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration
• Sharing personal items like towels, underwear, or razors (less common)
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth

The virus enters through microscopic skin breaks, especially in the genital area. Even asymptomatic individuals can still spread the virus.

Can HPV Cause Cancer?

Yes. Certain high-risk HPV types, especially types 16 and 18, can cause precancerous lesions and eventually cancer. According to the World Health Organization, over 95% of cervical cancer cases are attributed to HPV infection.

High-risk HPV-related cancers include:

Thus, HPV infection should not be underestimated as it can lead to severe health problems beyond genital warts.

• In women: Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers
• In men: Penile and anal cancers
• In both sexes: Oral, throat, and oropharyngeal cancers

How is HPV Diagnosed?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses and often progresses silently without symptoms. Many carriers may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. Some HPV types cause genital warts, while others are linked to cervical, penile, anal, and throat cancers. Regular gynecological exams and HPV testing are crucial for detection.

Symptoms can vary, and some people may have no signs at all. Early diagnosis is especially important for high-risk HPV types. The following symptoms may help identify an HPV infection:

What are the Symptoms of HPV?

• Fleshy or wart-like growths in the genital area
• Increased and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Wart-like lesions around the anus or inside the mouth
• Abnormal cell changes detected in cervical screening (Pap smear)
• Warts on the penis, testicles, or groin in men
• Faster and more widespread lesions in immunocompromised individuals

How to Protect Against HPV?

Complete protection against HPV is not always possible, but the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced by taking precautions:

1. HPV Vaccination (Gardasil / Cervarix):

• Recommended for both males and females.
• Can be administered between ages 9 and 45.

Effective against high-risk HPV types that cause cancer and low-risk types that cause warts.

2. Condom Use:

• Reduces risk but does not provide full protection.
• Does not cover all genital skin, so not fully preventive alone.

3. Limiting Number of Sexual Partners:

• Multiple partners increase HPV risk.
• Monogamy or consistent partners reduce risk.

4. Regular Screening and Testing:

• Pap smear and HPV DNA testing are vital for early detection in women.
• Men should have suspicious lesions evaluated promptly.

Can HPV be Treated?

HPV itself cannot be directly treated because the virus is controlled by the immune system over time. However, the lesions caused by HPV—especially genital warts—can be successfully treated with modern medical methods.

The main goals of HPV treatment are:

• Eliminating existing warts
• Reducing transmission risk
• Supporting the immune system to control the virus

How is HPV Treated?

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, affecting both men and women. It can cause genital warts and increase cancer risk depending on the type.

Here is a detailed look at treatment methods for both sexes:

Treatment in Women

In women, HPV infection can cause warts on external genitalia and cellular changes on the cervix (which may be silent). Treatment covers both visible lesions and cervical abnormalities.

Common treatment methods:

• Laser removal of warts (CO2 Laser): Effective in sensitive areas, leaves minimal scarring, and allows quick healing.
• Electrocautery: Burning warts with electric current, usually under local anesthesia.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen causing crusting and peeling.
• Topical solutions: Acidic or immune-stimulating creams, not suitable for all patients.
• LEEP / Conization for cervical lesions: Surgical removal if abnormal cells are detected.

Treatment in Men

In men, HPV usually presents as genital warts on the penis, groin, scrotum, or anus. High-risk types are rarely linked to penile and anal cancers.

Common treatments include:

• Laser removal of warts (CO2 Laser): Effective in sensitive areas, leaves minimal scarring, and allows quick healing.
• Electrocautery: Burning warts with electric current, usually under local anesthesia.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen causing crusting and peeling.
• Topical solutions: Acidic or immune-stimulating creams, not suitable for all patients.
• LEEP / Conization for cervical lesions: Surgical removal if abnormal cells are detected.

Why is Laser Treatment Preferred for HPV?

Laser treatment is among the fastest and most effective methods for genital warts in both men and women. It is especially suitable for widespread, clustered, and cosmetically sensitive areas. Advantages include:

• Ability to treat many warts in a short time
• Minimal bleeding risk
• High precision preserving healthy tissue
• Low recurrence rates
• Minimal scarring

Usually completed in a single session, but multiple sessions may be required for extensive cases.

HPV Treatment Costs

HPV causes common genital warts, and treatment aims to remove warts and prevent spread. Laser therapy is frequently used for wart removal. Treatment costs vary based on wart number and spread. Therefore, patient evaluation is essential for exact pricing.

2025 HPV treatment prices: up to 5 warts laser removal: 8,000 TRY; 5-10 warts: 10,000 TRY; more than 10 warts priced individually based on number and extent.

Early diagnosis and regular follow-up improve success. Our clinic ensures privacy and comfort during treatment. Free initial consultation is available upon appointment.

Post-Treatment Care for HPV

After wart treatment, the virus may not be completely cleared from the body. Patients should pay attention to:

• Maintaining a strong immune system
• Avoiding stress, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition
• Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption
• Ensuring sexual partners are also examined and treated if necessary
• Keeping up with routine check-ups

Conclusion: HPV Treatment is Possible, Don’t Delay!

When diagnosed early and treated properly, HPV infection can be controlled. Ignoring genital warts can lead to virus spread and serious health issues.

With over 20 years of clinical experience, I offer comprehensive services for both men and women including:

• HPV testing
• Genital examination and assessment
• Laser wart removal
• Follow-up and re-examination