What genital warts are
Genital warts are benign lesions of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area, caused by particular types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small raised growths, singly or in clusters, and are usually painless. They are one of the commonest sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment
Treatment aims to remove the visible lesions. Laser cauterization is carried out in the office under local anesthesia and allows the lesion to be destroyed precisely, with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. How long it takes depends on the extent and the number of lesions.
After the operation
Healing is usually complete within a few days to a few weeks. Because the virus can remain in the body, the warts may come back, and regular follow-up is therefore recommended. Your doctor will discuss cervical screening with you, HPV vaccination where it is indicated, and testing for your partner.