Genital Warts in Women: Treatment in NYC

by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.


Genital Warts in Women: What You Need to Know 

Causes of Genital Warts in Women

Genital warts are small, soft, benign growths that appear in the genital areas, including the labia, vulva, vagina, cervix, and anus in women.

Genital warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV)types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90 percent of all genital warts. The word papilloma refers to warts. Genital warts can occur in both men and women. However, HPV infections are more likely to cause complications in women (cervical or vulvar cancer).

HPV infection spreads from person to person through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Genital warts are contagious and spread through skin-to-skin contact. They can also spread by sharing sex toys with an infected person. They do NOT spread through hugging, holding hands, poor personal hygiene, shared utensils, toilet seats, or swimming pools. Condoms decrease the risk of virus transmission during sex but do not completely prevent HPV infection.

Genital warts may not appear for several weeks or months after a person gets infected. An infected person who has no symptoms can still pass on the infection to a sexual partner. Genital warts are not always visible to the naked eye. Symptoms of genital warts in women include vaginal discharge, burning, itching, and bleeding. Larger warts may cause discomfort or even pain.

Genital Wart Removal in NYC

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day genital wart removal. Schedule an appointment today.

We also perform comprehensive STD testing for other infections. We offer confidential appointments. Our prices are affordable with or without insurance.  Call/text today: 1-646-663-4125 or make an appointment online.  

Risk Factors for Genital Warts in Females

All sexually active women are vulnerable to HPV infection and genital warts. Factors that increase the risk of genital warts in women include:

  • Unprotected sex with multiple partners
  • Sex with anonymous partners (sexual history unknown)
  • Becoming sexually active at a young age
  • Having other sexually transmitted infections

The risk of genital warts in women can be reduced by remaining in a monogamous relationship, undergoing routine STD testing, and getting the Gardasil-9 vaccine

Schedule an appointment at New York Urology Specialists today for confidential same-day STD testing, Gardasil-9 vaccination, and diagnosis and treatment of genital warts.

Association with High-Risk HPV: Can Genital Warts Turn into Cancer?

There are more than 100 known types of HPV (each has its own number). About 40 HPV strains are transmitted sexually in humans but not all of these cause serious health problems.

High-risk HPV strains cause cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men. About 70 percent of cervical cancers in women are caused by HPV types 16 and 18. Other strains, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, are also high-risk strains.

Low-risk HPV strains cause genital warts in men and women. About 90 percent of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. Genital warts are cauliflower-like bumps on the skin that appear several weeks to months after having sex with an infected partner.

The HPV strains that cause genital warts are not the same as the ones that cause cancer. Genital warts are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body and to sexual partners, but they do not turn into cancer.

Gardasil Vaccine: Prevention and Decreased Recurrence

Gardasil-9 is a vaccine that can reduce the risk of HPV infection in both men and women. It protects against 9 strains of the virus, including low-risk strains 6 and 11 which cause genital warts and high-risk strains 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 which cause cancers.

Once a person is infected with HPV, there is no treatment currently available that can completely eradicate the virus. However, women who are already infected with HPV can benefit from Gardasil-9 because it reduces the risk of precancerous lesions in the cervix and also reduces the risk of recurrent genital warts. The vaccine may be offered to HPV positive women of all ages to help reduce the chances of transmission to sexual partners.

Schedule an appointment to see if you qualify for the Gardasil vaccine.

Testing for Genital Warts in Women

HPV is a very common STD (sexually transmitted disease) – the CDC estimates 80 million Americans have it. Many people with HPV are symptom-free and do not know they have the infection. Genital warts are a sign of HPV infection.

If you think you have genital warts, set up an appointment with an expert urologist at New York Urology Specialists today. The doctor will perform an examination to determine if you have genital warts and the appropriate tests and treatment.

The Pap test in women does not check for HPV (it looks for pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the cervix). The HPV test checks specifically for the virus. It is performed with a cervical swab (similar to the Pap test). The swab is checked in the laboratory for the genetic material of the virus.

HPV testing may be recommended after an abnormal Pap test result to see if the virus is causing the cell changes and to decide on further testing. In women under 30, the HPV test is not routinely recommended because HPV infection is very common in this age group and the test will not serve a specific purpose. In women between ages 30 and 65, co-testing (Pap and HPV) is recommended every 5 years.

Schedule an appointment with top New York City urologists at our offices today about testing for genital warts in women. The offices of New York Urology Specialists are easily reachable from all five New York City boroughs including the Bronx and Queens.

Treatment of Labial Warts in Women

External genital warts, such as labial warts, can be treated by a number of different methods. The treatment only removes the lesions – it does not cure the HPV infection. Although genital warts sometimes recur after removal, treatment is important for symptom relief and to reduce the risk of transmission to sexual partners. Available treatments for labial warts in women include:

  • Podofilox (Condylox) solution or gel
  • Imiquimod (Aldara) cream
  • Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
  • Laser surgery
  • Surgical excision for complete clearance at a single visit and low risk of recurrence

Treatment of Vaginal Warts in Women

Occasionally, genital warts in women occur internally in the vagina or cervix (neck of the uterus). The recommended treatments for vaginal warts and cervical warts include cryotherapy and surgical removal. Treatment choice depends on the number and size of warts, patient preference, and comparative success rates.

Schedule an appointment with genital wart specialists at New York Urology Specialists today for the most appropriate and effective treatment for vaginal warts.

Sex and Vaginal Warts

The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are spread through skin-to-skin contact. Internal genital warts, such as vaginal warts, come in contact with the partner’s skin during penetrative sex.

Genital warts are highly contagious and the partner of an infected person is at high risk of contracting HPV. In addition, the friction associated with sexual intercourse can lead to bleeding or discomfort from vaginal warts.  

What Doctors Treat Genital Warts in Women?

Genital warts in women can be treated by both urologists as well as gynecologists. At New York Urology Specialists, we are a full-service urology office. We offer comprehensive, confidential STD testing and treatment for genital warts and other sexually transmitted infections. Schedule an appointment today to get testing and treatment for genital warts in New York City.

Genital Warts in Women: What You Need to Know         

  • All sexually active women are vulnerable to HPV infection and genital warts.
  • Genital warts are contagious and spread through sex with infected partners.
  • The Pap test does not check for HPV virus or genital warts.
  • Treatment for genital warts includes nonsurgical and surgical options.

What do Genital Warts in Women Look Like?

You can find pictures of genital warts as well as before and after treatment images in our genital wart image gallery.

Scheduling Appointments for Genital Wart Treatment for Women at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions about testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.  

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. 


STDs are Treatable in Nearly Every Man

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI).  We understand the challenges that STDs such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and ureaplasma create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find an effective treatment for your symptoms that may be caused by STD, UTI or another cause. 

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of infections in men and women caused by sexually transmitted diseases as well as bladder infections (UTI). By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and woman with urinary problems and bladder control problems.   

We treat some of the most complex STD problems including:

  • Persistent urinary urgency
  • Frequent recurrence of genital warts
  • Frequent recurrence of herpes outbreaks
  • HIV prevention 
  • Genital warts in the urethra
  • Treatment of infections when antibiotics do not work well
  • Testing for urinary ureaplasma and mycoplasma.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-4125 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of urological problems in men and women using modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

 

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