“Genital warts must be treated by a doctor!” – Medline (1)
Some people may wonder whether it is OK to cut off genital warts themselves, or whether they must see a doctor to have the growths removed.
In the open comments section of a survey, the following response was offered by John C. from New York, NY:
“Has any one attempted to cut off warts yourself at home? I’m asking cause I am getting bothered with remedies, creams and pointless doctor attempts… just wondering if there is a way to do it even though probably painful that wouldn’t cause any terrible side effects except bleeding… please help.”
We believe this response shows the urgent need for education on the topic of genital wart removal.
Cutting them off without the help of a certified healthcare professional is extremely dangerous. Any attempt to operate on oneself can result in permanent and irreversible disfigurement and injuries.
Medline Plus notes that, “Genital warts must be treated by a doctor!” (1)
Medline continues and describes the recommended ways to remove genital warts. “The warts may be removed with surgery, including: Cryosurgery, Electrocauterization Laser therapy, surgical excision (cutting them out).
If you have genital warts, all of your sexual partners must be examined by a health care provider and treated if warts are found. Even if you do not have symptoms, you must be treated to prevent complications and spreading the condition to others.
You will need to return to your health care provider after treatment to make sure all the warts are gone.” (1)
“The current treatment options are largely centered upon removal of the warts rather than elimination of the underlying viral infection.” (2)
Dr. Hanan Polansky has written that “The key to your health is to reduce the level of the latent viruses in your body to harmless levels.”
In other words, treatments and remedies that fight the latent HPV before it has the opportunity to cause genital warts is the ideal.
References:
(1) MedlinePlus – Genital warts – Update Date 11/10/2013
(2) Valerie R. Yanofsky, BSc,a Rita V. Patel, MD,b and Gary Goldenberg, MD – The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology – 2012 Jun; 5(6): 25–36.