Understanding Your Treatment Options for Anal Warts

Anal warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, research shows that about 10% of people with HPV will develop anal warts.

Many people find anal warts embarrassing, so they don’t always seek treatment. However, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. A custom care plan can remove your anal warts and help relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

At his practice in Los Angeles and Glendale, California, board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, provides several types of anal wart treatments. This article highlights some of the most common therapeutic approaches so you can take control of your health.

What are anal warts?

Anal warts are small, dome shaped bumps that can grow into larger clusters resembling cauliflower on or around your anus. They can be external and visible, or internal, located inside your rectum.

Regardless of their location, anal warts are caused by a strain of HPV. This infection spreads through sexual or skin-to-skin contact and is most common in people who have unprotected sex with multiple partners.

5 treatment options for anal warts

The good news is that anal warts can be easily treated. The approach we recommend depends on their size, location, and effect on your quality of life. Here’s a closer look at some of our most common recommendations:

1. Topical treatments

We typically recommend topical ointments, for small anal warts located on or around your anus. Several localized skin treatments are available, including:

• Imiquimod
• Podofilox
• Podophyllin
• Sinecatechins

These medications destroy wart tissue and boost your immune system to fight off the underlying HPV infection. 

Topical treatments are available by prescription only. Never use over-the-counter (OTC) wart treatments on your anus or genitals. OTC topicals aren’t designed for this purpose and can cause serious complications.

2. Liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)

For large clusters of anal warts, we may recommend a stronger treatment, like cryotherapy. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart clusters, which kills the wart tissue and causes the warts to fall off. Because cryotherapy can cause tissue damage, we apply a local anesthetic before treatment to minimize pain and ensure your comfort.

3. Trichloroacetic acid

In some cases, we recommend trichloroacetic acid over cryotherapy. Like cryotherapy, trichloroacetic acid destroys wart tissue and causes your anal warts to fall off. However, it typically causes fewer side effects, like pain and blistering. 

4. Electrocautery

Anal warts can sometimes resist other treatments, like topical ointments, cryotherapy, and trichloroacetic acid. If this occurs, we may use electrocautery to burn off your warts. This procedure is particularly effective for larger clusters of anal warts, thanks to its strength and precision.

5. Surgery

If your anal warts are internal and cause pain during bowel movements or sexual intercourse, we could recommend surgery. Before surgery, we administer a local anesthetic to numb your anus and rectum. Then, using specialized tools, we completely remove your warts, relieving pain and other common symptoms.

Get treatment for anal warts today

Anal warts can significantly affect your excretory and sexual health as well as your quality of life. But various treatments can help provide lasting relief. Contact Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, by calling the nearest office or booking an appointment online today.