Genital Warts or condyloma is a type of sexually
transmitted disease that is caused by the human papilloma
virus. This virus will cause wart-like bumps to appear
on the penis or in and around the vaginal area. It
could also appear on the cervix or around the anus.
The virus is spread between people engaging in anal,
vaginal or oral sex.
These warts often appear to be soft, moist and flesh colored. They can appear in clusters. The bumps are either raised or are flat or small or large.
How is Genital Warts Spread?
Genital Warts are highly contagious and are spread during oral, anal of vaginal sex with an infected individual. It is transmitted by skin to skin direct contact. About two thirds of individual who have had sexual contact with an individual who is infected with develop genital warts within three months of the initial contact.
Genital Warts in women will appear on the outside and inside of the vagina or in the opening of the cervix or around the anus. It is less common for men to develop genital warts; they will usually develop on the penis or around the anus. In some rare instances an individual can develop them in the mouth or the throat.
Genital Warts doe not have signs and symptoms that an individual can see or feel. Many times individuals will walk around and never realize that they have been infected.
How is it Diagnosed?
Your doctors can diagnosis genital warts by seeing them. The doctor can identify some invisible warts by applying vinegar to areas of your body that might be infected. This solution causes these infected areas to whiten, which will make them more visible under examination. At other times, your doctor will take a small piece of tissue from your cervix and examine it under a microscope to see if it is present.
How is Genital Warts Treated?
Genital Warts had no know cure. They are some treatments for it, but usually it disappears on its own without any treatment. If you think you have genital warts you should see your doctor immediately. Many times you will be given a cream or solution to place on the warts. If you are pregnant you should let your doctor know as some of these creams and solutions could have a negative effect on you and your baby. If the warts are small enough the doctor can freeze the, or burn them off. Larger warts do not respond to this type of treatment. These are all just treatments for the warts, once the virus is in your body it will come back after the treatment.
Prevention
The way for you to avoid getting the virus is to avoid direct contact with anyone who has the virus. If you notice that an individual has warts that are visible on the genital area, then you should avoid sexual contact with them until the warts are treated. Condoms can help with the prevention of the spread of the virus but it is not a full safe method.
Many times individuals don’t know that they are infected with the virus until the pass it on to another individual. Since they are no symptoms for this illness, it is important for an individual to see their doctor if they see any signs of the warts in the areas listed above. Early treatment can help you to control the outbreaks and to understand what to look for when you have an outbreak. Many times individual do not seek treatment due to a feeling of embarrassment, but this should not be the case. You should seek treatment and learn about the way to prevent passing on the virus to others.
