Genital Warts in Females

One of the most common infections in the world is caused by Human Papilloma Virus known as HPV. This warts virus is where a microscopic virus particle manages to infect the skin. Statistics show that most women who contract HPV, and consequently female genital warts, do so before their third experience of intercourse and it is therefore the young and sexually active woman between the ages of 20 and 24 who are at greatest risk. As you can imagine, the risk of genital warts transmission and infection increases with the number of sexual partners. If female genital warts then appear, this can be a serious health concern as they have been linked to cervical as well as other types of cancer.

The following factors can put women at a higher risk for getting female genital warts as well as other complications of HPV:

o If you have multiple sexual partners
o If you do not know the status of your sexual partner
o If you start to become sexually active at an early age
o If you are a heavy smoker and drinker
o If you suffer from stress
o If you suffer from other viral infections such as HIV or herpes

How to recognize female genital warts

The only visible sign of HPV infection is the appearance of genital warts in females. However, they may not appear for weeks, months or even years after infection occurs. They may even never appear. Female genital warts and internal female genital warts can grow on the lips of the vulva, around the clitoris, inside the vagina, around the urethra, on the cervix and on the area between the vagina and the anus but we tend to give them all the name of vaginal warts. Their appearance is usually as small red or white bumps. Sometimes they grow alone, other times in cauliflower-like clusters. They may even be flat and barely visible. These female genital warts are not usually painful but may well be itchy or uncomfortable.

How to lessen the worry and stress

It is only natural that most women who are diagnosed with either female genital warts or internal female genital warts will feel very upset and worried. It is highly likely that the diagnosis will induce stress. There are so many factors at play here: fear of the new and the unknown: feelings of vulnerability; and fear of rejection. Although all stress is not bad (a certain amount is necessary for us to function) personal illness has a fairly high score in the stress level ratings. So if you are feeling especially stressful, then it is important to learn to relax and a good website to check for help with the art of relaxation is www.coping.org/growth/stress.htm

You need to see your doctor or go to a clinic if you have not already done so. They will give you a definite diagnosis and help you decide how best to treat your vaginal warts from the different options available such as topical medications, cryotherapy, laser treatment, surgery or a natural healing product.

Since poor nutrition, a weakened immune system and emotional stress can contribute to your vulnerability to getting female genital warts when you are carrying the HPV virus, follow this advice:

o Take supplements: Vitamin A (25 000 units per day); Zinc picolinate (50 milligrams per day); and Vitamin C (1000 milligrams per day).
o Try to eat fresh foods in as natural and unprocessed state as possible with organic being even better.
o Every day make sure you eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, fruit and proteins.
o Keep your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice) and animal fat to a minimum

Many women clear the HPV infection through their body’s own immune response but the important thing to remember is to get female genital warts (including internal genital warts) treated before they get out of hand. Practice safe sex and limit your sexual partners. Skin to skin contact is all that is necessary for the virus to be passed on so washing thoroughly with soap and water after sex can help reduce your chances of infection too.

Go to our Genital Warts Treatment page