Genital Warts are often first noticed as small, lumps near the genitals. They are soft and are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are dozens of different types of HPV which cause the warts including the common ones which can occur on our faces and hands.
Thankfully, only a small number of the many HPVs are known to cause genital warts.
How do we get genital warts? They are transmitted by sexual contact. This means that the virus is contracted by having sex or intimate relations with a partner who is carrying the virus. The HPV passes through tiny openings in the skin that occur in the genital areas during sex.
Once the virus is passed on, a wart appears often in 10 or 12 weeks, although sometimes they may lie dormant for years. People with the virus who have dormant warts can still transmit the virus,
Condoms are helpful in preventing the spread of genital warts, however they are not foolproof and may not cover the full area of skin making contact.
Warts are usually first seen as small, lumps on or near the vagina, anus or penis. The HPV infection may show as an individual warts or clusters. They have been known to grow inside the vagina or rectum and are not always. As a test to see if lumps are actually warts, as application of 3%"5% acetic acid usually turns HPV infected genital tissue to a whitish color. Sometimes a biopsy may be used.
Women are sometimes diagnosed with genital warts following a pap smear test.
Because most people with genital warts have no recognizable symptoms they do not seek treatment and also have unprotected sex which helps the virus to spread.
Genital warts become more uncomfortable with dampness of the genital region and following use of incorrect drugs in treatment
Salty baths and special creams also help relieve the discomfort
Currently, there is no treatments that can stop the virus, but there are several treatments for the warts themselves. Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen is one treatment. They will of course feel very cold and blisters will form. Refrain from touching the blister as it will heal of its own accord. Treatment with a chemical solution which is painted on the warts is another method. Avoid wart paints if pregnant.
Creams are less harsh than the chemical paints and are ofter used when a large amount of warts are present. Hot wires are also used to burn the warts.
When warts are large, it is important to obey your doctors instructions. Also, be prepared for a return of the warts which have been known to recur long after they were thought to have cleared
Thankfully, only a small number of the many HPVs are known to cause genital warts.
How do we get genital warts? They are transmitted by sexual contact. This means that the virus is contracted by having sex or intimate relations with a partner who is carrying the virus. The HPV passes through tiny openings in the skin that occur in the genital areas during sex.
Once the virus is passed on, a wart appears often in 10 or 12 weeks, although sometimes they may lie dormant for years. People with the virus who have dormant warts can still transmit the virus,
Condoms are helpful in preventing the spread of genital warts, however they are not foolproof and may not cover the full area of skin making contact.
Warts are usually first seen as small, lumps on or near the vagina, anus or penis. The HPV infection may show as an individual warts or clusters. They have been known to grow inside the vagina or rectum and are not always. As a test to see if lumps are actually warts, as application of 3%"5% acetic acid usually turns HPV infected genital tissue to a whitish color. Sometimes a biopsy may be used.
Women are sometimes diagnosed with genital warts following a pap smear test.
Because most people with genital warts have no recognizable symptoms they do not seek treatment and also have unprotected sex which helps the virus to spread.
Genital warts become more uncomfortable with dampness of the genital region and following use of incorrect drugs in treatment
Salty baths and special creams also help relieve the discomfort
Currently, there is no treatments that can stop the virus, but there are several treatments for the warts themselves. Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen is one treatment. They will of course feel very cold and blisters will form. Refrain from touching the blister as it will heal of its own accord. Treatment with a chemical solution which is painted on the warts is another method. Avoid wart paints if pregnant.
Creams are less harsh than the chemical paints and are ofter used when a large amount of warts are present. Hot wires are also used to burn the warts.
When warts are large, it is important to obey your doctors instructions. Also, be prepared for a return of the warts which have been known to recur long after they were thought to have cleared
