Genital Wart Removal

Posts Tagged ‘Genital Warts Symptoms’

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 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.