Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery) for Genital Warts

What To Expect After Treatment

Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Healing usually occurs in 1 to 3 weeks. After treatment, the following may occur:

• Irritation, soreness, or mild pain may occur.
• You may have swelling.
• You may have dead tissue shed off.
• Sores or blisters may form.

Men and women

For men and women who have had cryotherapy for external genital warts, call your doctor for any of the following:

• A fever
• Continued bleeding
• Bad-smelling or yellowish discharge, which may indicate an infection
• Continued pain

Avoid intercourse until the treated area heals and the soreness is gone.

Women

Be aware of the following after treatment for vaginal or cervical warts:

• A watery vaginal discharge may occur for about 1 to 3 weeks.
• Sanitary napkins should be used instead of tampons for 2 to 3 weeks.
• Avoid sexual intercourse or douching until the treated area heals, usually in 1 to 3 weeks.

Men

Men treated for genital warts on the penis, scrotum, or in the urethra should avoid sexual intercourse until the treated area is healed and the soreness is gone. This is usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the area treated.