What this treats
Genital warts are caused by low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly types 6 and 11. They appear as soft, flesh-colored to slightly pigmented papules, cauliflower-like growths, or flat plaques on the penile shaft, glans, foreskin, scrotum, vulva, perineum, or perianal skin. We treat external visible warts. Internal urethral and anal canal lesions are handled in coordination with a specialist clinic and referred where appropriate.
How we choose the technique
There is no single best removal method — the right tool depends on the lesion. We use a combination of:
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen — quick, well-tolerated; good for small or scattered lesions. Clearance rates 60–90%, often over 2 sessions.
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA 80–90%) — chemical destruction for anatomically tricky locations.
- Radiofrequency ablation — higher clearance rates in a single session for larger lesions and perianal disease. Performed under local anesthesia.
- CO₂ laser — for extensive, confluent, or recurrent disease. Precise depth control reduces scarring.
Treatment clears visible warts. The immune system clears HPV. After successful removal, roughly 20–30% of patients experience new lesions within three months at adjacent sites — this is subclinical HPV in the surrounding tissue, not failure of treatment. After about 12 months without new lesions, the practical risk of recurrence becomes low.
What a visit looks like
The first visit is a discreet, private consultation: full visual inspection in a private room, identification of treatment sites, discussion of method and severity-tier pricing, co-screening for other STIs if appropriate. Most patients begin treatment at the second visit, though small simple lesions can be treated the same day with consent.
Local anesthetic where needed, then the primary removal pass. 20–45 minutes depending on number and location. Mild discomfort during; well-tolerated post.
Confirm complete clearance of treated sites. Identify any new adjacent lesions (subclinical HPV emerging) and treat at the follow-up rate.
Final assessment. Most patients are functionally well by this point. Discussion of HPV vaccination if not already done.
Severity-based pricing
Pricing reflects the actual work involved, not arbitrary packaging:
- Mild — ₱5,000. Single small lesion or a few scattered <5 mm papules. One short session.
- Moderate — ₱8,000. Multiple lesions, larger size, or partial confluence. Single longer session or 2 short ones.
- Severe — ₱12,000. Extensive confluent disease requiring CO₂ laser, or large lesions in anatomically delicate sites.
- Follow-up at < 12 weeks — ₱2,000 per visit for new lesions identified at the 4-week or 12-week check.
Anal canal lesions are not treated here — we refer to a colorectal specialist clinic; we can prepare the referral at no extra charge.
HPV vaccination — recommended even after diagnosis
The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against 9 HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58). Most patients with visible warts are infected with types 6 or 11 only — vaccination still offers prospective protection against the remaining seven, including the high-risk strains that drive most HPV-related cancers. Growing observational evidence also suggests vaccination after diagnosis modestly reduces recurrence. We offer it as a 3-dose adult course at the time of treatment.
What about my partner?
HPV is transmitted skin-to-skin and has a latent period of months. By the time visible warts appear, most regular partners have already been exposed. Telling a long-term partner that they "gave" the wart is usually neither accurate nor helpful. Partners with no symptoms don't need to be examined; if they have visible lesions, we treat them as a separate course. We discuss the partner conversation at the consultation — many patients find this the most useful part of the visit.
Investment
From ₱5,000 by severity. Quote and severity classification given in writing at the consultation. Most patients reach full clearance over 1–3 visits within 12 weeks.