Cryotherapy for the management of genital warts in pregnancy: a five-year observational study

ABSTRACT

This observational study aims to review our experience in using cryotherapy for the management of genital warts during pregnancy over a five-year period. Fifty-three pregnant women with established genital warts were managed during the period from January 2000 to April 2005. There were 23 patients in the first trimester, 22 in the second, and 8 in the third trimester. Base line laboratory investigations were performed to establish any abnormalities and any other concurrent sexually transmitted diseases before starting treatment in each patient. Sexual abstinence or the use of protective barriers was advised to all patients. Cryotherapy was performed for the treatment of all genital warts. The treatment was on an out-patient basis, and the women were followed up every two weeks throughout pregnancy, and every month afterwards until nine months post delivery. Infants were also examined at birth and at nine months of age. There was dramatic response to local cryotherapy during pregnancy against genital warts, with 84.9% clearance of lesions prior to delivery. There were no cases of premature labour or premature rupture of membranes directly related to treatment, and there were no cases of neonatal genital or laryngeal involvement. Although no recurrences of lesions were observed before delivery, there was an overall recurrence rate of 45.3% at nine months post delivery. Cryotherapy is an effective and safe method for the treatment of genital warts throughout pregnancy