At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are Genital Wart Creams?
Genital wart creams are creams used primarily for the treatment of genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). The three most popular types of genital wart creams are Podofilox, Condylox, and Aldara cream. All three of these creams work in different ways to treat genital warts. Some may be used at home, while a few others might have to be applied by a doctor in a doctor's office. Creams are not always needed for the treatment of genital warts because they occasionally clear up on their own, but a person should see his doctor just to be on the safe side before deciding not to treat his warts.
Podofilox cream is one of the most effective genital wart creams available. It works by stopping the growth of cells that cause genital warts. Most people who use Podofilox cream do not have problems with their warts recurring soon after using the medication is applied, although it is always possible. This cream is available in lotion, gel, or resin form and is typically only available by prescription. In most cases, a person can have the prescription filled and apply the cream in the privacy of her own home without the need for medical assistance.
Condylox cream is similar to Podofilox cream and can stop genital warts by destroying their tissue. The primary difference between Condylox and Podofilox cream is that Condylox must be applied by a medical professional at a doctor's office, while Podofilox can be applied at home by the affected person. A person who uses either Condylox or Podofilox should be cautious when engaging in sexual intercourse because these medications greatly lessen the effectiveness of certain types of birth control, including condoms and diaphragms.
Aldara is another of the most commonly used genital wart creams. It is available by prescription and can effectively boost a person's immune system. The immune system boost can help to clear up genital warts in most people. Just as with Podofilox and Condylox, Aldara can weaken condoms and diaphragms, so a person who is sexually active should be careful while using it.
People who have genital warts should remember that, even if the warts go away, they still most likely carry the HPV virus that causes the formation of the warts. Genital wart creams do not get rid of HPV. This means that it is still possible for a person to give genital warts to another person whether he has an outbreak of warts or not. In order to prevent the spread of genital warts, a person with HPV should always use condoms.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Genital wart creams Condylox and Podofilox can degrade the quality of some types of birth control, including condoms.]()
By: yaskiiGenital wart creams Condylox and Podofilox can degrade the quality of some types of birth control, including condoms. -
![Condoms may not necessarily protect against genital warts.]()
By: Peter AtkinsCondoms may not necessarily protect against genital warts. -
![Individuals who smoke cigarettes may be more susceptible to contracting genital warts.]()
By: illustrez-vousIndividuals who smoke cigarettes may be more susceptible to contracting genital warts. -
![Genital wart creams are used primarily for the treatment of genital warts.]()
By: takasuGenital wart creams are used primarily for the treatment of genital warts. -
![A sexually active person using Aldara for genital warts should be careful, as the cream can weaken condoms and diaphragms.]()
By: BoggyA sexually active person using Aldara for genital warts should be careful, as the cream can weaken condoms and diaphragms. -
![Podofilox cream is one of the most effective genital warts creams available.]()
By: Picture-FactoryPodofilox cream is one of the most effective genital warts creams available. -
![Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by HPV.]()
By: pio3Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by HPV. -
![Some creams that treat genital warts are available by prescription only.]()
By: Kaspars GrinvaldsSome creams that treat genital warts are available by prescription only.
Discussion Comments
@turquoise-- I think cream for genital warts works better for some people than others. But it can take months, so I agree that the treatment should be continued until your doctor tells you to stop.
The strength of the cream is important as well. For example, imiquimod cream comes in 1% and 5% strength. 5% is more effective against genital warts.
Unfortunately, as with most wart medication, there is a chance that the warts will come back after using the cream. But usually, it doesn't.
@turquoise-- Which cream did you use? You should ask your doctor to give you a different cream.
My genital warts disappeared with wart cream so I know that these creams work. If you quit the cream too soon, it won't work. You need to use it for at least a few weeks. It took close to two weeks for my warts to go away.
Genital wart cream does cause irritation. I also had some irritation and redness. My doctor told me to use it less frequently until the irritation disappeared but I did not quit it.
You might want to give the cream another try or switch to a different genital wart cream. There are more options when it comes to genital warts treatment but I think that wart cream is the easiest treatment with the least side effects. Other treatments have more side effects and possible complications.
I was given cream for my HPV caused genital warts. I used the cream as directed by my doctor but it has not worked. For some reason, the cream also caused a lot of pain. I'm looking for a different treatment now. I'm considering cryotherapy.
Post your comments