Laser Surgery for Genital Warts

Laser Surgery for Genital Warts

British Columbia Specific Information

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can cause a variety of cancers as well as genital warts. HPV can cause genital warts and cancers of the anus, cervix, mouth and throat, penis, vagina and vulva.

The HPV vaccines protect against infection from certain types of HPV. The HPV vaccine is a cancer-preventing vaccine that can benefit you, no matter your sex, gender, or sexual orientation, or sexual activity status. The HPV vaccine is part of the recommended vaccination schedule for all youth in British Columbia. To be eligible for the free, publicly funded vaccine, people in B.C. need to have their first dose before they turn 19 and their last dose before they turn 26. The exception is for those that have been given the extension to June 30, 2024. 

For more information about the HPV vaccine, visit:

To learn more about HPV infection, read HealthLinkBC File #101a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Genital Warts. For more information on STIs, sexual health information, where to get tested and other sexual health services in your area, visit Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Surgery Overview

A laser can be used to destroy genital warts.

Laser surgery may be done in a doctor's office or clinic, a hospital, or an outpatient surgery centre. Local or general anesthetic may be used. Which one you get depends on how many warts need treatment and the size of the area to be treated.

What To Expect

Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Healing usually occurs in 2 to 4 weeks.

Avoid sexual intercourse until the treated area heals and the soreness is gone. (This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. It depends on the size of the area treated.)

Why It Is Done

Laser surgery may be done when:

  • Medicine didn't work to remove the warts.
  • Warts are widespread.
  • Warts need to be treated during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about when treatment should be done during pregnancy.

How Well It Works

Laser surgery often works to remove warts. But warts may come back after surgery.

Risks

Laser surgery may cause any of the following:

  • Pain, swelling, or itching
  • Sores in the area treated
  • Tissue that sticks together
  • Scarring

Credits

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin C. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology