How long does electrosurgery take to work for genital warts?

Heat is used to destroy visible wart tissue. The area may be tender, swollen, or lightly crusted while it repairs. Treating visible warts does not by itself remove HPV from nearby skin, so new warts can appear and follow-up may be needed.

Clean the area as directed and wear loose, breathable clothing. Avoid picking, friction, and sexual contact until the clinician confirms that the skin has healed. Do not use wart products or creams on genital skin unless prescribed. Attend review if requested.

Contact the clinic if pain, swelling, redness, or discharge is worsening, or if urination becomes difficult. Seek prompt care for heavy bleeding, fever, or rapidly spreading redness. New lesions, persistent lesions, or lesions that look different need examination.

Ask when sexual activity can safely resume, whether partners need advice, how recurrence will be monitored, and whether testing for other sexually transmitted infections is appropriate.