hpv - not responsive to cryotherapy?

Hello!
I have had genital warts for about 6 months. I have undergone 6 cryotherapy treatments and they have only gotten worse.

Is there any way I have something that is not genital warts and that is why it is not responding to treatment?

What other treatments should I try?

Has anyone else had this experience?

Thanks so much for your help.

[DasKapital]

Hi s,

It is altogether possible that you are dealing with something other than genital warts.  After all, there are a number of other skin conditions that look a lot like warts.  With that said, if you are getting cryotherapy treatments, I have to assume that you've been evaluated by a dermatologist or other doctor, which means what you are dealing with probably is genital warts.

Take heart though, it is very common for one treatment to not work very well in the treating of genital warts, and the average duration of a genital wart infection is a little less than a year.  It could be longer, and if it is, no big deal.  One day, you will clear the virus, regardless of the treatment you undergo.

Now, as far as treatment goes, speak with your doctor about possible options.  Aside from cryotherapy, there are a number of other things you can do.  You can get them lasered off, burned off with bi- or tri-chlorocetic acid (although I'm a bit hesitant for this one... my doctor used bi-chlorocetic acid on me, and I actually have scars where my warts used to be, despite the fact that eeeeeeveryone said that it doesn't scar).  You can also be prescribed Aldara, which works to jump start your immune system.  It's really up to you... there are a ton of options, and if cryotherapy isn't taking, then maybe it's time to try something new.

One thing to consider- you say that cryotherapy is leading the warts to "only getting worse".  Do you mean that the warts that you already had are getting worse, or that you are getting new warts?  Because if cryotherapy is working for the warts you  had, and you are just getting new warts, then the cryotherapy is probably fine.  I got the BCA treatment for a while, but continued to get new warts that eventually stopped.  If, however, you are continually treating the same warts over and over, then it may be time to talk to your doc about a different treatment option.

[s_s_11]

Thanks so much!