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Posts Tagged ‘Genital Warts Symptoms’

What are the Genital Warts Symptoms?

In many cases, Genital warts symptoms vary from one person to another. From time to time it can even be mistaken for another medical condition. Sometimes Genital HPV does not manifest physically (such as warts) often misleading people to believe they have something else.

You see you could suffer from all the genital warts symptoms and still not see any warts. You in some cases the genital warts themselves can be so small that they are almost invisible to the human eye. This is often a major reason that makes people believe they in fact suffer from a different condition.

This reason alone is good enough to make you seek a physician help. He will take into consideration your genital warts symptoms and will run further test to decide if you have genital warts. One of the methods used to perform such test is to dab a small bit of acetic acid on the area suspected of having warts.

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If The Symptoms Of Genital Warts Are Not Treated Early, It Could Lead To More Serious Conditions Like Cervical Cancer!

Symptoms of genital warts – If spotted early enough and treated, can reduce the chances of developing cancer of the cervix.
Symptoms of genital warts can be many and varied and can even be mistaken for another disease. This is especially true hpv genital condition hasn’t manifested itself in the form of physical warts.
What Are The Symptoms of Genital Warts?
Like many other STDs, HPV infection often does not cause symptoms. One study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that nearly half of all women with HPV had no noticeable symptoms. However, in many cases, small, hard spots (easily visible to the eye) can develop within three weeks to three months after exposure.
In women, these warts can occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina or even around the anus. Anogenital warts may cause itching. Women also develop cervical warts, which are flat lesions unseen in their early stages.
Some other symptoms may include:
? Cauliflower-like appearing growths around the anus or genitals
? Increased dampness or moisture in the area of the growths
? Itching of the penis, scrotum, anal area, or a vulvar itch
? Increased vaginal discharge
? Abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual period) after sexual intercourse
You may have all the symptoms of genital warts but still not have any physically on your genitals. One possible reason that symptoms of genital warts are mistaken for something else is that the warts can be almost invisible to the naked eye.
In these circumstances, your physician will take your symptoms into account and use a number of methods to determine whether you have genital warts. One of the most common is to dab a small amount of acetic acid (vinegar) on the suspected area infected with warts.
The symptoms of genital warts may also be missed if they occur within the vaginal walls. In this case, the symptoms could be of another disorder called yeast infection. That’s why it’s a good idea to seek immediate professional help when the signs of genital warts are detected.
Getting the most accurate diagnosis for the symptoms you are displaying is vital, the last thing you want is self diagnosing yourself, and the likelihood of you being wrong is high, and then treating yourself for a completely different condition. This can have further repercussions, in that using the wrong medication to treat a disorder can let your body become used that medication, rendering it useless when you will need it the most.
The flipside would be to ignore the symptoms of genital warts and leaving the condition untreated, leading to even more serious conditions such as cancer of the cervix. An even more worrying possibility is that if you have recurring genital warts symptoms, it could be a sign of cervical cancer or even HIV- AIDS.
Therefore the seriousness and the urgency of a proper checkup when you display any of these symptoms is paramount. You will then be able to receive the correct treatment needed to help you get rid of genital warts.
It must be noted that even though you may be able to cure genital warts with the right treatment ad fight off the symptoms, the underlying virus, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) cannot be cured. You will have to rely on your immune system to help fight the HPV virus.

Males Get Genital Warts

Males get genital warts for the same reasons that women get them. Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). When males get genital warts the most likely areas to be affected are the urethra, penis, scrotum and rectal area. The warts often appear as a soft, raised area that can be smooth or rough. Genital warts in males can be difficult to detect because they may be covered with pubic hairs.
HPV is transmitted through direct physical contact during sexual activity. The virus is not found in or spread by bodily fluids. Condom use may decrease the risk of transmission of HPV during intimate contact but it will not completely prevent the risk infection. Spermicides and hormonal birth control methods cannot prevent the spread of the HPV infection.
There are several treatment options available for males who get genital warts. The goal of treatment is remove the warts and prevent the virus from spreading. When choosing the best method to remove genital warts, your physician will consider the size, location and number of warts.
Some of the methods used by physicians to treat genital warts in males include:
? Cyrotherapy – Removing genital warts with liquid nitrogen
? TCA (trichloracetic acid) – This is a topical compound that is used to treat genital warts in males.
? Electrocautery – Burning off male genital warts with an electric current
? Laser Therapy – using an intense light to remove genital warts.
(This treatment is very expensive and may not be available in all physicians’ offices.)
When males get genital warts their physicians may prescribe imiquimod cream or podofilox cream. These creams require repeated applications over a period of weeks. Males with genital warts often prefer these creams because they can be applied in the privacy of their homes. For more info see http://www.treatgenitalwarts.org/symptoms/flakey-skin.html
Males who get genital warts sometimes use over the counter treatments like Dr. Scholls to treat their condition. The active ingredient in Dr. Scholls and similar medications is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a colorless substance found in many medications that are used to treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis and warts. Doctors strongly advise against the use of products containing salicylic acid because it can cause serious irritation in the sensitive genital area. Home remedies containing substances like vinegar can also cause irritation.
It is important to understand that treatment for male genital warts does not constitute a cure. There is no cure for the human papillomavirus. Even after treatment, genital warts can reappear, sometimes in larger quantities than before. It is important that infected patients keep a close eye for outbreaks and begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Your best defense against a recurrence is a strong immune system that can be achieved through getting proper rest, eating a nutritious diet and exercise. All natural remedies for genital warts can often be used on a regular basis to help prevent recurrences.
It can be difficult to decide which treatment is best for your. Males who get genital warts should consider all the options, including natural remedies, before deciding which treatment is best.

Genital Warts are Caused by the Human Papilloma Virus

Genital warts is one of the two most commonly spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by a virus. The other is genital herpes. The disease is caused by the human papilloma virus often abbreviated as hpv.The wart like lesions that appear with this STD are called condyloma acuminate.  They look like small, flesh colored growths in the genital and anal region.  Research indicates that 10-40% of women who are sexually active are infected with hpv.  Both men and women can transmit and receive the virus and the presence of the hpv is not always accompanied by the appearance of genital warts.  Routes of TransmissionGenital warts are spread through direct contact with an infected person during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. Approximately sixty percent of people who have sexual contact with someone who has genital warts will develop symptoms themselves, usually within three months of the encounter.The human papilloma virus penetrates through tiny abrasions in the genital area that occur during sexual activity. Once the virus is in the body it become latent or inactive for several weeks, months, or sometimes even years. Typically it takes about three months for the first symptoms to appear, but it could take much longer or much less time.Penetrating sex is not necessary for the spread of hpv. Studies have proven that sexual contact of any kind with an infected person can spread the virus. An infected person is able to spread the virus to a non-infected partner even when there is no outward or visible signs of genital warts.In rare cases, adults or children may be infected indirectly. For example, using an infected person’s towel can cause an infection if rubbed against the genitals. Also, babies may be infected through a vaginal delivery of a mother with genital warts.HPV, the cause of Genital WartsThere are more than 100 different types of the human papilloma  virus, and over 40 of these can infect the genitals through sexual contact. These specific strains of HPV are highly contagious. Because of the long incubation period, many people may be unaware that they are infected and continue to spread the virus through sexual contact.Genital Warts SymptomsThe most common genital warts symptoms are the appearance of the warts themselves. Generally they are painless but might cause irritation and itching depending on their size and location. It is not uncommon to develop the warts in more than one area.In men specifically, genital warts can infect the urethra, scrotum, penis, and rectal areas. The warts will appear as soft, smooth, raised masses when on the penile shaft. Or, they can appear as anal warts, in which the growth is rough and protruding. The lesions will be raised, and only rarely will they appear flat with just a slight elevation above the skin.In women, genital warts symptoms may not be noticeable if the warts are located inside the vagina where they are undetectable. However, the lesions most commonly occur in the labia minora and around the vaginal opening. Many times no symptoms at all are experienced aside from the appearance of growths (warts). In rare cases, women may experience bleeding following sexual intercourse when infected with HPV.Genital Warts TreatmentAs is the case with most viruses, there is no genital warts treatment that will completely get rid of the lesions or the hpv. The warts can be controlled, but the viral infection cannot be not cured. Prescription medications and topical creams are the most frequently used methods of treatment.Small warts can be removed by means of laser surgery, cryosurgery (freezing), or electrocautery (burning). Application of various acids and resins may also be used. These genital wart treatments require several sessions and removal is not a permanent solution since it cannot prevent spreading of the human papilloma virus.  It genital warts are removed by any of these methods more lesions can still occur in the future. ComplicationsThe main complications of HPV infection are the development of cancerous lesions. Some forms of HPV can cause anal and/or penis cancer in men, and cervical cancer in women. PreventionResearch is currently being conducted on vaccines that may protect against infection of HPV infection and one vaccine  (Gardisil) is now available for women. This vaccine protects against some of the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer but cannot treat genital warts or cervical cancer once they have developed.The only sure way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, genital warts included, is to avoid direct contact with the causative organism, in this case the human papilloma virus. For most STDs the use of a condom creates the barrier necessary to prevent the transmission of the pathogen.  However, this appears not to be the case for genital warts as the virus can infect areas not covered by the condom. The Center for Disease Control advises that the only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.  Restricting sexual activity to a monogamous relationship with a person confirmed to be “HPV free” would be advisable.

It is Possible to Have All Genital Warts Symptoms and Still not Display

Genital warts are viral infections, which may persist for a long time in tissues in the genital area of both men and women.

Unfortunately the symptoms of genital warts may not manifest themselves for a very long period of time. Not everyone with the

genital wart virus will have signs of a disease. You may have painless wart-like growths on or in your sex organs or around

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Over The Counter Genital Warts Treatments

Over the counter genital wart treatments can be found in any drug store. Health care professionals generally do not approve of over the counter genital wart treatments because if they are used improperly they can damage the sensitive genital area.
Some people prefer over the counter treatments because it allows them to save the time, embarrassment and expense of a doctor’s visit. If you do decide to see a doctor for treatment, make sure that he or she is aware of any over the counter treatments you are using. Some over the counter treatments can be dangerous is they are used in conjunction with prescription medications.
Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in many over the counter genital wart treatments like Dr.Scholl’s Wart Remover, Compound W, Freezone and Wart-Off. People with compromised immune systems or people who are allergic to salicylic acid should not use these products.
Over the counter genital wart treatments containing salicylic acid are applied directly to the affected area of the genital warts. Consumers are then instructed to hydrate the skin in order to enhance the effects by applying warm water for five minutes prior to use. Remove any loose tissue on or around the genital warts and dry thoroughly. When the area is dry apply the salicylic solution. Most people who use salicyclic solutions report that the genital warts show improvement within one to two weeks. If redness, a burning sensation or irritation occurs, you should stop using the salicyclic treatments and consult your physician immediately.
Genital wart treatments that contain salicylic acid are not recommended for use on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, irritated skin or any infected or reddened area. Women who are pregnant should not use these genital warts treatments because the strong chemicals they contain may have adverse affects on the fetus.
There have been some recent advances in over the counter genital wart treatments, including some topical products that stimulate the skin’s own immune system to attack the virus. These topical products can be applied topically to eliminate warts and work not by destroying the skin, but by prompting the patient’s immune system to combat the virus that causes the warts. About half of all of the patients who have used these topical genital wart treatments report positive results within a couple of weeks.
A good source of information about over the counter treatments for genital warts is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This group is a component of the National Institutes of Health. NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent and treat infectious diseases. For more info see http://www.treatgenitalwarts.org/symptoms/genital_warts_symptoms.html on genital warts symptoms.
It is important to remember that most health professionals advise against the use of over the counter genital warts treatment. Improper use of the strong chemicals in over the counter genital warts treatments could result in serious skin irritations.