What are condylomas? How common are condylomas (genital warts)? What is HPV? How is the virus responsible for condyloma transmitted? What is the incubation period of condylomas? How do condylomas appear? What are the symptoms of condylomas? Men and condyloma Women and condyloma Condylomas and pregnancy How are condylomas diagnosed? New tests for HPV Do condylomas cause cancer? Is treatment available for condylomas? What happens if I don’t treat my condylomas? For women with condylomas, is a Pap Test or colposcopy necessary? Who is at risk of getting condylomas? How do I reduce the risk of spreading condylomas? How do I avoid getting condylomas? Vaccination against HPV Can I get the vaccination if I’m not eligible under the free program? Is HPV vaccination recommended for older women and men? Links and References

In 50% of people infected, condylomas will disappear within four months without medical intervention.

However, they can persist in people who are in good health, as well as in people whose immune systems are compromised. These people should seek treatment to eliminate the lesions.

The aim of treatment is to eliminate visible lesions. As a result, the doctor is treating the symptoms (condylomas) of a low-risk HPV, and not the cause (the virus itself).

Several procedures exist for treating condylomas.

• Treatment that you can follow at home:
  • Podofilox solution, sold under the names Condyline or Wartex, which burns the warts away.
  • Imiquimod cream, sold under the names Aldara or Vyloma, which stimulates immune system response.
• Treatment administered at a clinic, by a doctor or a nurse:
  • Liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) is commonly used to destroy the warts by freezing them. Several appointments are required.
  • We recommend against using podophyllin, since better treatment options are available.
  • Trichloroacetic acid, applied with a cotton swab, is used if liquid nitrogen is unavailable.

The best results are obtained from a combination of treatments.

If standard treatment is unsuccessful, surgical procedures are available using a local anaesthetic. These include excision, laser and electrosurgery.

If the treatment causes excessive pain, you can apply an anaesthetic cream beforehand.

If condylomas occur in the anus, a speculum is required to apply the treatment. For vaginal or cervical condylomas, a colposcopy is required.

Condyloma

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