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Review
. 2013 Jul;59(7):731-6.

New approach to managing genital warts

Catharine C Lopaschuk  1
Affiliations
Review

New approach to managing genital warts

Catharine C Lopaschuk. Can Fam Physician. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: To summarize and determine the appropriate use for the new and old management tools for genital warts.

Sources of information: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ACP Journal Club, and Trip. The bibliographies of retrieved papers were also reviewed. Clinical trials, qualitative review articles, consensus reports, and clinical practice guidelines were retrieved.

Main message: Symptomatic warts are prevalent in at least 1% of the population between the ages of 15 and 49, with estimates of up to 50% of the population being infected with human papillomavirus at some point in their lifetime. Imiquimod and podophyllotoxin are 2 new treatments for external genital warts that are less painful and can be applied by patients at home. In addition, the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine has been shown to be efficacious in preventing genital warts and cervical cancer. There is still a role for the older treatment methods in certain situations, such as intravaginal, urethral, anal, or recalcitrant warts; or for pregnant patients.

Conclusion: The new treatments of external genital warts can reduce the pain of treatment and the number of office visits. Other treatment methods are still useful in certain situations.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Management of genital warts in nonpregnant patients HPV—human papillomavirus, STI—sexually transmitted infection, TCA—trichloroacetic acid.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Management of genital warts in pregnant patients HPV—human papillomavirus, STI—sexually transmitted infection, TCA—trichloroacetic acid.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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