Patient Education Program

What You Should Know About Anal Warts

What are anal warts?

Anal warts are a viral infection. They first appear as tiny blemishes, as small as the head of a pin, and may grow larger than the size of a pea.

Where do anal warts come from?

Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This highly contagious virus is transmitted person to person, almost always by direct contact. A recent study reported up to two-thirds of college students have been exposed to it.

Do anal warts need to be removed?

Yes. If they are not removed, the warts grow larger and become more numerous. Warts can become cancerous if left untreated.

What treatments are available ?

There are 3 treatments available:

  1. Home Treatment: Apply Aldara or Effudex cream to skin and warts around anus at night. Wash it off in the morning. The cream can be very irritating.
  2. Office Removal: Chemical/Cryo destruction in the office.
  3. Excision in the Operating Room: Extensive warts around the anus, or warts inside the anal canal require removal in the Operating Room. It is not uncommon to have the warts grow back, requiring follow-up removal in the operating room.
IMPORTANT TIP: The ideal bowel movement comes the moment you sit, without pain, straining or bleeding. It's completed within seconds, and is easy to clean.
 
MEDITOONS™ ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN. THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE SELF-DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. PLEASE CHECK WITH A PHYSICIAN PROMPTLY IF YOU SUSPECT YOU ARE ILL.