Finding the right treatment for genital warts

Genital warts are a common infection in men and women caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In this article we look at what causes genital warts, how long they last and how they are removed or treated. We also look at a natural treatment that can work alongside conventional treatment: Papilocare® external genital gel.

What are genital warts and what causes them?

Gential warts, also known as condylomas, are small growths that can appear on the genitals of men or women. They can appear around the vagina, the penis or anus, or the area between the genitals and anus.

They are caused by a very common sexually-transmitted virus, HPV. It’s possible to get the virus through sexual contact with someone who has no symptoms, and no visible warts.

Around 70 per cent of sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, the body clears the virus naturally, and it causes no lasting issues. However, about 4 per cent of people may develop genital warts.

Genital warts form when HPV enters through tiny areas of damage in the skin or mucous membranes, known as microlesions. Once inside the body’s cells, the virus multiplies, triggering abnormal cell growth and forming warts. 

Are genital warts harmful?

Although genital warts are not cancerous, they are visible and can cause significant emotional or physical discomfort both for women and men. 

Will my cervical screening pick them up?

Nearly all genital warts (90 per cent) are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. These virus types are not included in the NHS cervical screening, so they often go undetected unless symptoms appear.

What treatment can I get on the NHS?

While warts can sometimes resolve on their own, persistent cases may require treatment.

Treatments include:

• Surgery to remove the warts by cutting them out, or using heat or a laser, under local anaesthetic. It can cause discomfort, irritation or scarring.
• Freezing (cryotherapy) so that the warts fall off. This often requires multiple sessions and can be painful.
• Topical treatment with chemicals in the form of cream, liquid or ointment. These treatments can cause irritation or a burning sensation.

Does treatment always work and prevent recurrence?

Treatment sometimes has to be repeated a few times to work, can take some time, and may not be successful. 

Despite treatment, 67 per cent of patients experience recurrence because the virus often remains in the body even after visible warts are gone.

For most people, the body’s own immune system will eventually clear the virus that is causing the warts. But this natural immune process can take about two years or more.

Is there an alternative?

Although no treatment has been clinically proven to eliminate HPV entirely, Papilocare® offers a promising new approach to prevent recurrence of warts when used after the treatment your doctor recommends, explained above.

Papilocare® Vaginal Gel is now available in the UK from LivBio. It has been shown to support the body’s ability to clear HPV. In the PALOMA 2 clinical trial, where women with HPV-related cervical lesions, 88 per cent of women using Papilocare® tested HPV-negative after six months, compared to 46 per cent in the control group. These results were consistent across different HPV types.

Papilocare® External Genital Gel has the same active ingredients as the Vaginal Gel, with a texture designed for use on the external genital area.

How Papilocare® works

Papilocare® External Genital Gel is a non-hormonal gel to help treat genital warts caused by HPV in men and women. Its patented formula, based on seven natural ingredients, works in the following ways:

• moisturises and helps restore normal hydrated and elastic tissue affected by the virus in the external genital area, favouring the body’s natural healing process
• rebalances the natural protective environment, the microbiota
• boosts the body’s local immune response.  

In this way it works to help prevent the warts from recurring.

The gel is for women and men 18 years old or older who have HPV-related genital warts that have already been treated medically or surgically.

Key ingredients and benefits

- Coriolus versicolor – stimulates immune response

- Neem (Azadirachta indica) – supports tissue repair

- Aloe vera & Centella asiatica – promote healing

- Bioecolia – helps maintain healthy skin microbiota

- Hyaluronic acid – hydrates and soothes

- Beta-glucan – offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

- Lactic acid – supports pH balance

*Paraben-free formula*

How do I use Papilocare® External Genital Gel?

Apply a small amount of the product to the external genital area using your fingertips twice daily—once at night before bedtime.
Continue use until complete healing or as advised during a medical check-up.
This product can be used alongside Papilocare® Vaginal Gel.

Where can I find Papilocare® External Genital Gel?

Papilocare® External Genital Gel is available from the official UK distributor, LivBio. Find out more about Papilocare®. You can also order in pharmacies across the country.

For more information about NHS treatments visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts