|
Genital
Wart Treatment Information
Genital Warts and HPV Information
Genital warts are caused by a virus called the Human papillomavirus (HPV).
Genital warts are on of the most common causes of sexually transmitted
diseases (STD). According to scientists, there are more than 100 types
of HPV, most of which are harmless. Of these 100 types, however, about
30 types are spread through sexual contact. If left untreated, this type
of HPV infection that causes genital wart can also cause other genital
problems as well as warts, including cervical cancer.
Genital warts are also known as: condylomata acuminata (the
scientific name) or venereal warts. Some common "mis-spellings"
are" gentile warts. genitla warts, and gentle warts. No matter what
you call them, genital warts are the SYMPTOM of a vrial investion- the
HPV infection. Oddly, many people ARE INFECTED with this virus,but display
NO SYMPTOMS (that is to say that they may be carriers without knowing
it.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Although these medications can treat the
symptoms, they DO NOT remove the HPV (the virus) from the body. As of
the writing of this site, there is no "cure" for the virus,
or method or treatment that will eliminate the virus from the virus. There
are only medicines that help REMOVE the warts. Since the virus is still
in the body, these syptoms (the genital warts) may come back.
Other types of warts
HPV CAN cause other kinds of warts like those found on the hands and soles
of the feet. These types of HPV do not cause genital warts.
How are genital warts spread?
Genital warts are VERY contagious and are spread during oral, genital,
or anal sex with an infected partner. About 30% of people who have sex
with an infected partner will develop genital warts, usually within three
months of the sexual contact.
In women, the warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on
the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus), or around the anus. In men,
genital warts are less common. If present, they usually are seen on the
tip of the penis. They also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on
the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop
in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected
person.
Genital warts can be very tiny and often occur in clusters.
They also can spread into large masses in the genital or anal area causing
very large warts in large areas of the genitals.
Doctors estimate that genital warts are the most common
sexually transmitted disease. Genital warts caused by the HPV infection
are certainly more common than genital herpes which is also an STD. The
American Social Health Association claims that approximately 5.5 million
new cases of sexually transmitted HPV infections are reported every year.
We know that at least 20 million Americans are already infected, so if
you are feeling all alone-don't!
How are genital warts diagnosed?
A doctor or other health care worker usually can diagnose genital warts
by seeing them on a patient. Women with genital warts also should be examined
for possible HPV infection of the cervix. which you would not be able
to see from the outside.
By applying vinegar to areas of suspected infection, a doctor may be able
to identify some otherwise "invisible" warts in the genital
tissue. This vinegar is not a treatment (a common myth) rather it makes
the genital warts more visible.
Other procedures for diagnosis may inlude biopsy (removing
a small piece of the flesh and examining it under a microscope) or a A
Pap smear. It's important to get diagnosed by a doctor, and also be aware
that you may have this infestion, but not know it.
OK-how do I prevent getting this?
The only TRUE way you can prevent getting genital warts is to avoid TOUCHING
ANYONE, EVER. Remember, HPV can be transmitted (though less frequesnt)
through casual contact. The next best way is to not have sex. However,
this can prove inconvenient. If you or your sexual partner have warts
that are visible in the genital area, you should definitely avoid any
sexual contact until the warts are treated. Condoms (male/latex) can prevent
HPV transmission, but not 100% of the time. If you see a genital wart
on your partner, don't believe that a condom is going to stop you frm
also getting a genital wart...if you see one on your partner, don't have
sex until it's treated!!!
Genital Warts and other Problems
HPV and genital warts can cause other complications- like cancer-and other
issues. First, make sure that you go to a doctor and get them treated,
and second, if you are pregnant genital warts can cause other problems
as well-ask your doctor.
Final note:
Like many STDs, genital warts, HPV, HSV, and herpes, infections often
do not have visible signs and symptoms. EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO SYMPTOMS YOU
MAY BE INFECTED. Then you might spead it, unknowingly, to another partner.
Moreover, if you have HPV and don't treat it, you might end up getting
cancer or some other condition in the future. It's important to find out,
and treat them the best way. If you do have HPV, it's good to know that
you can buy genital wart treatments and herpes medications here for the
lowest price possible.
|
