Genital warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, meaning that it is transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person. It is important to know that genital warts can be spread even if the person has no symptoms at the time (symptoms may come and go).
Genital warts can affect both men and woman. On men, warts may appear penis, scrotum, testicles and rectal area. On women, warts may appear on the vulva, inside the vagina and on the cervix, and around the rectal area.
Symptoms of HPV include:
-Lesions or sores in the general area
-Sores may cause bleeding
-Brown or grayish bumps (these may grow in clusters and often have a cauliflower-like appearance)
-Red or pink flat raised areas
-Swelling and inflammation
-Pain or stinging sensation
-Itching or burning
Symptoms may appear anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months after contracting the virus. Remember, symptoms may come and go, and the virus can be transmitted even if the infected person has no symptoms at the time of sexual contact. HPV is highly contagious.
Practicing safe sex measures, including wearing a condom, will reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, but it is not foolproof. You should know that using other methods of birth control like the pill or a diaphragm will not protect again HPV (or most other sexually transmitted infections).
You should also know that while the most common way of transmitting HPV is through sexual contact, it can be spread in other ways. For instance, it can be spread by using a towel or other object that has come in contact with the genitals of an infected person.
If you have genital warts, you should avoid scratching or picking at them, even though they may itch. Picking or scratching at them can cause them to spread. You should also make sure to wash your hands thoroughly any time you touch your warts.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for genital warts. Once you contract the virus, you will always have it, and can always transmit it to sexual partners.
There are, however, treatments for the condition. Treatment is aimed at removing the warts and thereby eliminating uncomfortable symptoms. Treatments include:
Cauterization. This is a method of “burning” off the warts. It’s fairly effective, but can be painful. It may also cause scarring.
Cryosurgery. This is a method of “freezing” off the warts. It can also be painful, and several treatments may be required.
Laser treatments. This method of treating genital warts is less painful than cauterization and cryosurgery, but may cause some swelling and irritation. As with cryosurgery, multiple treatments may be required.
Homeopathic treatments. There are also some homeopathic treatments for genital warts. These treatments general have no side effects, but they may not be as effective as other, medical treatments. If you are interested in trying a homeopathic treatment for your genital warts, it is advisable to seek the advice of a homeopathic healthcare professional.
Sources:
eMedicineHealth. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/genital_warts/article_em.htm. Genital Warts (HPV Infection).
