Treatment and Prevention of Genital Warts and HPV

Q: Treatment and Prevention of Genital Warts and HPV

Hello： 1. After electrocautery, a brown or black scab may form on the wound. Daily wound care is necessary to prevent infection and scarring. 2. For traditional Chinese medicine adjustments, you can consult a professional TCM practitioner. 3. For informati

There are concerns related to electrosurgery and the cervical cancer vaccine following a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia?

Hello Doctor, on August 10th, I was diagnosed with warts inside and outside the vaginal opening.
On August 11th, I underwent electrosurgical treatment under general anesthesia at Mackay Memorial Hospital.
The wounds appear as black holes; is this normal? Will there be scarring? I understand that warts are difficult to completely eradicate, so I would like to know how long after the treatment I can use traditional Chinese medicine for detoxification.
If I do manage to completely eradicate the warts in the future, will the cervical cancer vaccine still provide protection against warts and cervical cancer? Will this affect my future fertility? Since my husband currently shows no symptoms, what vaccines can he take for prevention? If he receives the vaccine during the incubation period, will it be effective? Thank you.

cc, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/12

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology

Hello: 1.
After electrocautery, a brown or black scab may form on the wound.
Daily wound care is necessary to prevent infection and scarring.
2.
For traditional Chinese medicine adjustments, you can consult a professional TCM practitioner.
3.
For information on HPV (human papillomavirus) and the cervical cancer vaccine, you can refer to the following websites: http://www.lshosp.com.tw/wei/folder/Obstetrics_Gynecology/OG_009.htm and http://www.vhyk.gov.tw/child/web/02prevent_11.htm.
Various medical institutions also provide relevant health education materials.
Treatment for genital warts will not affect fertility.
4.
Men can discuss with their physician whether to receive the quadrivalent cervical cancer vaccine to prevent genital warts, depending on their level of sexual activity.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2015/08/12

More Info

Understanding the treatment and prevention of genital warts (caused by HPV) is crucial for maintaining reproductive health and preventing potential complications, including cervical cancer. Your concerns regarding the treatment you received, the healing process, and future preventive measures are valid and important.

Firstly, after undergoing electrosurgery for genital warts, it is common to observe a healing process that may include the formation of scabs or dark spots at the treatment site. The appearance of "a hole" or black spots is part of the healing process, as the body works to regenerate tissue. It is essential to keep the area clean and avoid any irritants, as this will help in the healing process. Scarring can occur, but the extent will depend on individual healing responses and how well you care for the treated area. If you have concerns about scarring or if the healing process seems abnormal, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider.

Regarding the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for detoxification after the treatment, it is generally recommended to wait until the area has healed adequately before introducing any alternative therapies. This is to ensure that the body is not stressed further and can focus on healing. Consult with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable in both Western and traditional medicine to determine the best timing and approach for incorporating TCM.

As for the HPV vaccine, it is designed to protect against certain strains of the virus that can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts. If you have already been treated for genital warts and are considering getting vaccinated, it is still beneficial. The vaccine can help protect against other strains of HPV that you may not have been exposed to yet. However, it is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity. If you are already infected with a strain covered by the vaccine, it may not provide additional benefits against that specific strain but can still protect against others.

Regarding fertility, HPV and the treatments for genital warts typically do not affect a woman's ability to conceive. However, if there are any concerns about the impact of HPV or its treatment on fertility, it is best to discuss these with a healthcare provider who specializes in reproductive health.

For men, there is currently no HPV vaccine specifically approved for the treatment of existing infections or warts. However, the HPV vaccine is recommended for males to prevent the transmission of the virus and the development of related cancers, such as penile cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Vaccination is most effective before the onset of sexual activity, but it can still provide benefits even if someone is already sexually active.

If you are in the incubation period for HPV (the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms), getting vaccinated may still provide some level of protection against strains not yet contracted. However, it is essential to have a conversation with a healthcare provider to assess your individual risk factors and determine the best course of action.

In summary, after treatment for genital warts, monitor the healing process, consider waiting before introducing alternative therapies, and consult with a healthcare provider regarding the HPV vaccine and its benefits. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider will help you navigate your concerns and ensure that you receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

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