Post-Surgery Questions on Genital Warts: Treatment, Prevention, and Concerns

Q: Post-Surgery Questions on Genital Warts: Treatment, Prevention, and Concerns

Hello： 1. <br>The burned warts have been removed, but there is a possibility that the virus may remain, so observation is necessary. <br>Applying topical medication can help treat it, but it often requires patience, is out-of-pocket, and needs to be applied for a while, not just

Postoperative Inquiry Regarding Cauliflower (Condylomata Acuminata)

Hello Dr.
Du, I had an outpatient surgery at a nearby hospital around January 8th because there was a small foreign body at the tip of my penis, but the doctor was unsure what it was, so they scheduled the procedure.
When I returned for a follow-up, the doctor informed me that the pathology report indicated it was a wart.
The doctor only advised me to self-monitor for any new growths over the next 10 months, as it may not necessarily appear in the same location.
I have several questions that I didn't think to ask at the time.

First: Since the procedure involved electrosurgery, if it is confirmed to be a wart, do I need to apply any topical medications for treatment, or does the electrosurgery eliminate the virus?
Second: If I want to confirm whether I have fully healed, should I see a urologist, or can a general family medicine doctor also check for this type of condition? Additionally, are there vaccines available for prevention? If there are, since I have already been diagnosed with warts, would getting vaccinated still be beneficial, or could it potentially worsen my condition?
Lastly, I would like to know if I could transmit this to my family during the observation period after the surgery.
I have not engaged in sexual activity and am unsure how I contracted it.
The doctor mentioned that it may not necessarily be sexually transmitted, as it could also be contracted in places like public baths.
The only possible exposure I can think of is during my military service.
During these 10 months, what precautions should I take to prevent recurrence? I really want to ensure I recover fully.

I apologize for the lengthy inquiry, and I hope you can provide some answers when you have the time.
Thank you!

H, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/20

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1.
The burned warts have been removed, but there is a possibility that the virus may remain, so observation is necessary.
Applying topical medication can help treat it, but it often requires patience, is out-of-pocket, and needs to be applied for a while, not just a few days.
2.
Urology or dermatology specialists can provide guidance.
Vaccines are used for prevention and theoretically may not be needed, but since there are over a hundred types of warts, if your type differs from those covered by the vaccine, it may still be effective, although it can be quite expensive.
3.
Theoretically, it is not transmitted through casual contact, but it is recommended not to share towels.
If there is contact in unsafe areas, be sure to wash your hands frequently.
Additionally, practice safe sex.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/01/20

More Info

Thank you for your detailed questions regarding your recent diagnosis and treatment of genital warts (also known as condylomata acuminata). I appreciate your concerns, and I will address each of your questions thoroughly.

1. Post-Surgery Treatment: After the surgical removal of genital warts, particularly if the warts were treated using electrosurgery, it is important to understand that while the visible warts may be removed, the underlying human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes these warts may still remain in the body. Electrosurgery effectively destroys the wart tissue, but it does not eliminate the virus itself. Therefore, while you may not need additional topical treatments immediately after the procedure, it is essential to monitor for any recurrence of warts. If new warts appear, further treatment may be necessary. Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up visits to assess for any new growths.

2. Follow-Up Care: For monitoring your recovery and ensuring that the warts do not return, it is advisable to follow up with a urologist or a healthcare provider who specializes in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They can perform examinations and possibly recommend further testing if needed. As for vaccination, the HPV vaccine (Gardasil or Gardasil 9) is effective in preventing certain strains of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Even if you have been diagnosed with HPV, getting vaccinated can still provide protection against other strains of the virus that you may not have been exposed to yet. It is generally recommended to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

3. Transmission and Prevention: HPV is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, which can occur during sexual activity, but it can also be transmitted in non-sexual ways, such as through shared surfaces in communal areas (like gyms or pools). Since you mentioned that you have not engaged in sexual activity, it is understandable to be concerned about how you contracted the virus. During the observation period of 10 months, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items that may come into contact with the genital area. While you are not currently sexually active, if you do decide to engage in sexual activity in the future, using condoms can help reduce the risk of transmission, although they do not provide complete protection against HPV.

In summary, after your surgery for genital warts, it is essential to monitor for any recurrence, consider vaccination for additional protection against other HPV strains, and maintain good hygiene practices to prevent transmission. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider will help ensure that you remain informed and proactive about your health. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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