Genital or venereal warts are bumps that appear either singly or in clusters on the genital areas. They can develop on the vagina, cervix, and penis or rectum area. They look very similar in appearance to other warts that appear on various parts of the body. However, genital warts are caused by a virus known as HPV or human papillomavirus. This virus infects the top layer of the skin and causes warts. However, you can have HPV and have no symptoms, but you can still be contagious to others.
Transmitting Genital Warts
Warts are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. If you have been sexually active with a person who is infected, the virus can transfer during intercourse. Thankfully, genital warts can be effectively treated and in some cases cured. Though the treatment methods may get rid of warts, there is no way to check and see if the HPV virus is gone. If the virus is still on the skin, new warts can develop at a later date.
Protecting Yourself From Exposure
If you are in a relationship and have genital warts, you should not engage in sexual activities until the warts are treated. Because people who are infected with HPV often do not know they are, they can easily spread the virus without knowing. Condoms can reduce the risk of spreading warts, but there is no method that is 100 percent certain.
Getting Treatment – A Dermatological Approach
There are numerous options for stopping the spread of warts. Using a combination of both home based treatments along with office treatments are often necessary. Here are the most commonly used treatment methods:
- Cryotherapy – Using an icy, cold spray, the warts are frozen and killed with this method.
- Podophyllin – This cream is applied by a physician to destroy the wart and its roots.
- Lasers – Laser removal has become quite popular. The laser zaps the wart and kills it down to the root.
- Home Prescriptions – A doctor can prescribe either Condylox or Aldara to be applied at home.
Dealing With The Embarrassment
Many people put off coming to the doctor because they are embarrassed. Having genital warts is a very common condition. Our staff and doctors are fully trained to make sure you are comfortable. Our goals is treating the condition and not adding to your embarrassment.
Your medical issues are kept private and there is no cause for alarm. If you have genital warts, call our office today for an appointment. If you continue to leave them untreated, they will only keep spreading. We can assist you with this medical issue. Call today and find the help you need.