What Are Ginital Warts
Ginital warts are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Also known as condyloma and venereal warts, genetial worts may have the following visual characteristics:
- Small, flat bumps the color of the skin.
- Tiny bumps occurring in clusters and resembling cauliflower.
Although some cases of ginital warts are apparently visible, many cases do not present signs you can see. Just because you cannot see genetial worts does not mean you are free from infection!
Genatal warts can occur on the penis, near the anus, or in between the penis and scrotum on men; they occur on the vulva, on the perineal area, in the vagina, or on the cervix in women.
Genetial worts are passed from one partner to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex.
The only sure fire way to prevent ginital warts is to abstain from sexual activity. However, if you are sexually active, having sex with one partner who has sex only with you will lower your risk of contracting HPV and genetial worts.
Condoms may help prevent transmission of genatal warts, but are not 100% effective, as they do not always cover all affected areas of the skin.
There are several strategies for treating ginital warts. These treatments may rid the body of warts, but will not clear the body of the HPV virus. Usually, the body's immune system fights off the HPV virus within 8 to 13 months - however, the virus has been known to stay for life.
Each patient must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment before deciding on the best course of action.
Here are some examples of genatal warts treatments:
MEDICATIONS
- Imiquimod (Aldara): this topical cream is applied to boost the immune system. However, sexual activity is not encouraged, as Imiquimod can be irritating to your partner, and may weaken diaphragms and condoms.
- Podophyllin anti-mitotic solution: effective in 23% to 72% of cases of genatal warts, this solution must be applied by a doctor so that side effects can be monitored. Side effects include burning, swelling, itching and redness. This cannot be used on pregnant women.
- Podofilox: effective in 45% to 88% of cases, this gel can be applied at home, and generally has fewer side effects than podophyllin. Also cannot be used on pregnant women.
- 5-fluorouracil cream (5-FU): also known as Efudix, this cream destroys abnormal cells and often causes very painful areas.
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): this caustic agent must be applied to genetial worts by a doctor; if over-applied, it can damage nearby healthy skin.
- Interferon: this antiviral medication may cause a flu-like illness and pain at the injection site.
OTHER TREATMENTS
- Pulsed dye laser: intense beams of light are used to destroy genatal warts tissue; usually expensive and reserved for "tough" cases.
- Liquid Nitrogen cryosurgery: freezing off warts causes a blister to form around ginital warts; as it heals, the wart falls off. May require repetitive treatments.
As many people are coming to realize, traditional medications often carry a host of undesirable side effects. If you are searching for an effective, but safe, treatment for ginital warts, a homeopathic treatment might provide the best answer.
An all-natural homeopathic product with which we have seen great success is Dermisil. Dermisil is a two-part system that includes an oral medication to control outbreaks from the inside out.
Follow this link to learn more about Dermisil, and see if it's right for you.
Though many cases of ginital warts cure themselves, it is still a good idea to visit a doctor if:
- You have bumps or warts in the genital area.
- Your partner has bumps or warts in the genital area, or has been diagnosed with a genital HPV infection.
More than ginital warts on our warts and corns page
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