Introduction

Genital warts is a very common Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A study that was carried out in 2013 showed that 160–289 out of every 100,000 people worldwide have genital warts, and both men and women are most likely to get genital warts between the ages of 20 and 29.² Genital warts are easily transmitted through sexual contact, and they develop as visible growth through infection with low-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus types 6 and 11. Although the virus typically needs three weeks to eight months to incubate, warts can appear two to three months after HPV infection. Diagnosis of warts can be carried out by careful visual inspection of the growth. It can be pink, grey, red, brown, or skin-colored, and flat, round, or shaped as a cauliflower when it appears in clusters. They can also appear on different body parts like the vulva, vagina, mons pubis, cervix, penis, scrotum, anal canal, and inner thighs.¹  

While these warts are not a serious health risk, they are an eyesore and may not be comfortable for patients and their sexual partners. Sometimes, they can even be painful.³  

^{The Concept of Alternative Therapies} 

Generally, the treatment of genital warts is very diverse. It can be traditional or complementary. Traditional treatment involves the removal of visible warts. This is helpful, but the Human Papillomavirus is present in the patient’s system. It ranges from topical treatments with podophyllin, podophyllotoxin, and imiquimod to surgical and destructive treatments like surgical excision, electrosurgery, cryotherapy, carbon dioxide laser therapy, and other treatments that include trichloroacetic acid and interferon.⁴ The emergence of alternative therapies focuses on supporting the body's natural healing process and boosting the immune system. This form of treatment can be used together with traditional approaches to reduce discomfort and improve overall health, and this is why they are referred to as complementary approaches. 

Overview of Alternative Therapies

Some complications exist with traditional treatment of genital warts. These traditional therapies have limitations and are not always safe. Sometimes, they involve painful procedures and can leave the patient with various side effects. Studies have shown that some types of phytotherapy are effective in the removal of genital warts with lesser pain and greatly reduced side effects. A clinical investigation compared the effectiveness and safety of garlic extract and cryotherapy in the treatment of male genital warts. It was seen that garlic extract was just as effective in treatment of genital warts. If the pain during cryotherapy is taken into consideration, garlic extracts would be your best bet.⁵ A comprehensive list of specific alternative therapies includes: 

• Herbal remedies
• Homeopathic remedies
• Lifestyle changes 

Herbal Remedies

Some herbal remedies currently being used in the treatment of genital warts include:

• Garlic extract
• Garlic extract with apple cider vinegar (ACV)
• Green tea
• Tea tree oil

Garlic Extract

Garlic is a spice that is used in traditional medicine and is known to possess antiviral properties. It has also been proven to have antitumor properties and is very effective in the treatment of genital warts. Follow-up after treating and clearing genital warts in a proportion of males proved that there were no side effects, unlike treatment with cryotherapy, where hypopigmentation, pain, and burning sensations were observed.⁵ Using garlic extract in combination with ACV reduces pigmentation and wart size.⁶ The advantages of garlic extract as therapy for genital warts as observed in studies include:

• 10% garlic extract is as effective as cryotherapy when treating genital warts in men⁵
• It is very safe and quite simple to apply⁵
• Most people show complete disappearance of genital warts after using it⁵ 
• They are affordable and painless⁶ 

Green Tea

Green tea is a trusted herbal remedy in the treatment of genital warts. Its extracts and polyphenols are effective in wart removal.^8,9 In several studies, green tea has been used successfully in the treatment of genital warts, with a complete clearance rate of more than 50% and no recurrence. Sinecatechins, which are ointments made from green tea, have been shown to have a higher rate of complete clearance than podophyllotoxin and imiquimod, with much fewer localized irritations. 

Tea tree oil

This is an essential oil extracted from an Australian plant named Melaleuca alternifolia. Studies show that it possesses strong antiviral and anti-inflammatory characteristics.⁷ It is generally helpful in the treatment of warts and has no side effects. It is also cost-effective.

Homeopathic remedies

What is homeopathy? This works on the principle that ‘like cures like’. The provider asks basic questions about the patient,  their emotional state, diet, lifestyle, general well-being, and medical history. This informs the provider, a homeopath, on the best treatment that is tailored to the individual’s needs.¹⁰  The most common homeopathic remedy available for the treatment of warts is the Thuja occidentalis plant. Various homeopathic remedies cannot be generalized for all the patients. This is because the responses of patients to different homeopathic remedies are different. Some experience clearance of warts, while others do not.¹¹ Generally, the success of lesion clearance observed with herbal remedies like garlic extract has not been observed with homeopathic remedies. It has been attributed to the need for individualized treatment. 

Lifestyle Changes

Genital warts can cause behavioral changes like anxiety, depression, and sadness and are also shown to have negative impacts on the sex life of individuals. The psychosocial impact of genital warts on patients is more than the physical illness. They can be painless and almost inconsequential, but they can increase the risk of cancer, which causes anxiety in the patients. The size of the warts can also affect sexual function in individuals.¹² Studies have also shown that increased alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking put people at risk of genital warts. This is because they have immunosuppressive properties. After some months, warts can go on their own. This depends on individual’s immunity, and alcohol and cigarette smoking will not help.¹³  

Incorporating lifestyle changes like alcohol and cigarette smoking cessation, exercising, and a good plant-based diet can be therapeutic and helpful in the treatment of genital warts. Plant-based diets have been shown to improve immunity and general body well-being and would be a great diet option. While exercising has no direct impact on genital warts, it can help with mood changes, anxiety, and depression. It does this by releasing chemicals in your body that lift your mood. 

Factors to Consider Before Trying Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies have been embraced in the treatment of genital warts, as they are shown to have a little to no side effects and similar efficacy with conventional treatment. They have also been shown to increase the general well-being of the patients. However, some factors should be considered before trying alternative therapy. They are: 

• Potential risks and side effects
• Individual treatment outcomes
• Consulting a healthcare provider

Potential risks and side effects

Although the side effects and potential risks involved with the usage of alternative therapies are very few, the direction and frequency of application can influence the effectiveness of therapy. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider regarding this. A balance can then be established between the benefits and the downsides.

Individual treatment options

Individual variations can lead to different outcomes of therapy in patients. Success of therapy in an individual might not be replicated in another. This can be due to an individual’s variation in response to the therapy due to genetics, age, gender, race, or lifestyle. A personalized approach to therapy is the best for complete clearance of genital warts. 

Consulting a healthcare provider

It is very important to seek professional counsel before considering alternative therapy. This is because a healthcare provider is better suited to provide tailored treatment options according to one’s health needs. The provider carries out a proper diagnosis of genital warts, which involves visual inspection. When a proper diagnosis has been established, then other questions are asked that can help tailor treatment. One can also ask the provider questions, and they would be happy to help. Treatment options can then be considered based on the patient's medical history. Follow-ups during and after the treatment are also very necessary to ensure that treatment regimens are effective. 

Summary

Various alternative therapies to the treatment of genital warts, which includes herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, lifestyle, and dietary changes, were discussed in this article. The effectiveness of alternative therapy in the treatment of genital warts was extensively discussed and compared to conventional therapy. Again, it is very important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety and suitability of therapy for an individual. This article might help to make informed decisions concerning health and to improve general well-being. Additional research on the use of alternative therapies in the treatment of genital warts will be more helpful.