Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) for genital warts

Treatment Overview

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Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) destroys genital warts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen.

• A health professional applies liquid nitrogen to and around the warts.
• First, the tissue is frozen with liquid nitrogen. Then, the tissue is allowed to thaw. The tissue is frozen again, if needed. The time of application varies by the health professional who applies the liquid nitrogen and the size of the warts.
• The size and thickness of the warts determine the number and length of freeze/thaw cycles. Up to three treatments may be needed.
• Genital warts in the urethra or anus usually require the most treatments because the warts may be far inside the opening.

Cryotherapy is usually done in your health professional's office or clinic. A magnifying instrument may be used to see the abnormal tissue better.

What To Expect After Treatment

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Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Healing usually occurs within 1 to 3 weeks.

Men and women

For men and women who have had cryotherapy for external genital warts, call your health professional for any of the following:

• A fever
• Continued bleeding
• Bad-smelling or yellowish discharge, which may indicate an infection
• Continued pain

Avoid intercourse until the treated area heals and the soreness is gone.

Women

Be aware of the following after treatment for vaginal or cervical warts:

• A watery vaginal discharge may occur for about 1 to 3 weeks.
• Sanitary napkins should be used instead of tampons for 2 to 3 weeks.
• Avoid sexual intercourse or douching until the treated area heals, usually in 1 to 3 weeks.

Men

Men treated for genital warts on the penis, scrotum, or in the urethra should avoid sexual intercourse until the treated area is healed and the soreness is gone. This is usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the area treated.

Why It Is Done

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Cryotherapy may be done when genital warts are visible, growing in a small area (especially near the anus), and bothersome.

Cryotherapy usually is not used when genital warts are widespread.

How Well It Works

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In one small study, cryotherapy removed genital warts in 70% or more of cases.¹ But warts may grow back. More than one treatment may be needed.

The removal of genital warts may not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus may remain in the body in an inactive state after warts are removed.

Risks

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There are few complications after cryotherapy. Scarring is a slight risk. The following may occur:

• You may have a mild to moderate burning sensation during the procedure. Irritation, soreness, or mild pain may occur after the procedure.
• You may have swelling.
• You may have dead tissue shed off.
• Sores or blisters may form.

The number and severity of side effects depend on the number of freeze/thaw cycles used during cryotherapy and how large an area was treated.

What To Think About

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Cryotherapy for external genital warts can be used safely during pregnancy.

Treating genital warts may not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus may remain in the body in an inactive state after warts are removed. A person treated for genital warts may still be able to spread the infection. Condoms may help reduce the risk of HPV infection.

The benefits and effectiveness of each type of treatment need to be compared with the side effects and cost. Discuss this with your health professional.

Complete the special treatment information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.

References

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Citations

1. Buck HW (2005). Genital warts. Online version of Clinical Evidence (14): 1–13.

Credits

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Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	August 17, 2006