Genital Warts & You

Genital Warts are one of the most common of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Sometimes it is no big deal, starting out with a few bumps around the genitalia, but it can grow to unusual amounts. When it starts to get unruly, it may cause problems like blocking the urethra opening thus preventing any urination. In some female cases, the entire vaginal opening is closed off because of these untreated warts.

Before we can get to the treatment of these warts, we must first understand what causes these growths to take up residence in your private sector in the first place.

Condylomata acuminata, Penile warts, Human papilloma virus (HPV), Venereal warts; these are all names for these soft wart-like growths that form onto the skin as a result of contact an STD after a not-very-thought-out romp with someone who themselves have the STD. Just one single sexual contact could get a person infected, although not everyone who is exposed to HPV will contract it.

Whoops. This poor fellow might want to let his lover know before they play.

The virus that causes genital warts is called human papilloma virus or HPV. More than 70 different types of HPV exist. Several types of HPV cause genital warts, which may be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, larynx, throat, tongue, head, neck, tonsils, and around and in the anus. HPV -16, HPV -18, HPV-31, HPV-45 strands are high risks due to the 50% or higher chance of developing cancer. Low risk strands include HPV-6 and HPV-11, which have a very low chance of developing cancer. Cervical cancer is associated with HPV by 100%
Both men and women can contract genital warts mostly between the ages of 17 and 33. While there is a 60% risk of infection from a single sexual contact with an infected person, only 20% of all infected with genital warts have other STDs already.

There's a good chance this person is one of that 20%.

Some symptoms, though rare, include increased dampness or moisture in the area of the growths, increased vaginal discharge, itching of the penis, scrotum, anal area, or vulva and lastly possible vaginal bleeding, with or after sexual intercourse.You may not see warts for at least 6 weeks to 6 months after becoming infected with HPV. It may also take longer, even years before you first notice genital warts since there are hardly any painful symptoms. The HPV infection around the genitals is common, although even if you do NOT have symptoms, you must be treated to prevent complications and spreading the condition to others.

Apparently she didn't get the memo on how to get treated correctly.

The warts can be identified by either the naked eye, a PAP smear, or a HPV DNA test that can identify whether someone has a high-cancer-risk type of HPV and should only be treated by a doctor. The doctor may prescribe a medication that you apply at home several times per week but DO NOT use the over the counter wart remedies that are meant for any other types of warts (like the kind on your finger). Genitalia are extremely sensitive and using such a product could cause more serious trauma than the warts could ever accomplish.

This one may be beyond repair, with or without the over the counter remedies.

The doctor may prescribe a medication that you are able to apply at home several times per week such as Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Imiquimod (Aldara) and Podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox). Sometimes these treatments need a bit more help via surgery such as laser removal, cryosurgery where the doctors freeze the warts off, electrocauterization where the doctors burn and cauterize the warts off with electrolysis and lastly surgical excision where the doctors simply cut them out/off.

This may take a while.


As far as prevention goes, total abstinence is the only true way to fully avoid genital warts and other STDs. You can also decrease your chance of getting an STI by having a sexual relationship with only one partner who you know is disease-free. Unfortunately condoms cannot fully protect you, because the virus or warts can be on the skin. However, condoms reduce your risk and you should still use them at all times.
Two vaccines are available that protect against four of the HPV types that cause most cervical cancer in women. The vaccine is given as a series of three shots. It is recommended for girls and women ages 9 to 26.
Thus concludes today's awareness topic, please wrap it before you tap it. Let your partners and lovers know if you have genital warts or any other STDs before you start rocking the bed. Many people don't think nor ask the simplest questions that could ultimately save them quite a lot of hospital bills in the end.