Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Follow-up care for patients treated for genital warts should include:
- Reviewing the patient after completion of treatment to assess treatment success and determine if further therapy is needed.
- Changing treatment if there is less than a 50% response by 4–5 weeks (or 8–12 weeks for imiquimod) or if the patient cannot tolerate the current treatment.
- Considering arranging a follow-up appointment approximately 3 months after successful treatment, as this is the period when recurrences are most likely to occur.
- Providing more frequent follow-up for immunocompromised patients due to their higher risk of recurrence.
- Offering written and verbal information about the nature of anogenital warts, treatment expectations, and the possibility of multiple treatment attempts before clearance.
- Advising on condom use and smoking cessation to improve treatment response and reduce recurrence risk.
- Considering referral to sexual health specialists for uncertain diagnosis, recurrent or complicated cases, immunosuppression, pregnancy, or in children.
These follow-up measures help monitor for recurrence and guide ongoing management of genital warts.
NICE CKS