Cryotherapy for Genital Warts
Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) destroys genital warts by freezing them. A doctor applies a very cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, around the warts to freeze them. You may have a mild or moderate burning sensation during treatment.
What To Expect
Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Healing usually occurs in 1 to 3 weeks. After treatment, you may have:
- Irritation, soreness, or mild pain.
- Swelling.
- Dead tissue that sheds off.
- Sores or blisters.
Avoid sex until the treated area heals. Because treatment does not completely get rid of the virus that causes warts, you may still spread the virus through sex. Wearing a condom during sex can help. It does not completely prevent spreading the virus, but it can reduce the risk.
Why It Is Done
Cryotherapy may be done when genital warts are visible, growing in a small area, or bothersome. It's usually not used when genital warts are widespread.
How Well It Works
Cryotherapy can be helpful in removing genital warts. Most of the time it removes warts. But treatment does not get rid of the virus that causes genital warts, and warts may grow back. More than one treatment is often needed.
Risks
Some risks of cryotherapy include pain during and after treatment, skin color changes, blisters, and skin irritation.
The number and severity of side effects depend on the number of freeze/thaw cycles used during cryotherapy and how large an area was treated.
Current as of: May 5, 2025