Posts Tagged ‘Human Papilloma Virus’
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.
Tackling The Hpv And Genital Warts Challenge
You can catch genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through being sexually active with an infected person.
It is the most common sexually transmitted disease and can cause genital warts to develop in both men and women.
There are over 40 types of HPV which can affect the skin and mucous membranes around the genital area. Infection is possible in the cervix, anus and rectum, on the penis and in the lining of the vagina.
Genital Wart Remover – Does It Really Work?
Have you been searching for a magical genital wart remover? A diagnosis of genital warts means that you have to seek treatment immediately. Genital warts are an extremely common condition nowadays. The virus which causes these warts is sexually transmitted. The dangerous part s that the infection stays latent for up to three months. This means there are high chances that you might not even know that you are transmitting or contracting the virus.
If you or your partner has been diagnosed with genital warts, it is imperative to get advice from a qualified medical practitioner. You must not use over the counter remedies and genital wart remover creams that are advertised on the internet. You don’t really know what these sort of preparations contain. If you have itching or irritation of your genital skin due to the warts, these surreptitious preparations are bound to make things worse. If you use such a genital wart remover without any idea about what it is, you might actually end up having a secondary infection due to the inflammation these things cause.
Don’t try and search for a wonder remedy genital wart remover. You must understand that the infection is caused by one of many strains of the Human Papilloma Virus. The virus usually infects the topmost layers of the genital skin. it is a tough job eliminating the virus from here. The virus proceeds to stimulate the cells of the area to grow abnormally. This is what leads to a wart forming in the genital area. The problem when treating genital warts is that the virus may never be completely eliminated. There are chances that the infection can recur and that you may have warts again.
Now that you know why you should not use a fake genital wart remover, there are some preparations you can use. These are available on prescription by your doctor and you must use them only under medical supervision. Most genital wart remover medication that is available nowadays aims at removing the warts. New creams are also available which boost the local immunity and help fight the virus. The preparation you are prescribed depends on many factors. You might not be allowed to use these if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. You might also need another line of treatment if you have warts repeatedly or if the warts are too large to remove with creams alone.
You can choose from genital wart remover medication like condylox, aldara and podofin. Most of these creams have side effects like burning in the area where they are applied. You doctor can do a better job of applying these creams, so that the skin surrounding the warts are not irritated. After the first few applications, you may be allowed to do it yourself. Along with the application of creams you should also take precautions. You might have to abstain from sex during the period of treatment. This is because most creams make latex diaphragms and condoms weak. You must also take care never to remove genital warts on your own. if you try to pinch or pull out the warts, you are more likely to make the infection spread.