Genital warts are actually very common. The warts are normally transmitted through sexual activities, although transmission is not limited to this. Men most commonly get them on the shaft and the head of the penis, where women tend to get them more on the mouth and their genital region. As levels of open homosexuality increase in our society we have seen a general increase in the number of men who get them on their face.
Both men and women are susceptible to getting them internally in the anal region. However, women still have the highest risk of getting them inside their vagina, where they can go undetected for a long time. Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus (human papillomavirus). Everyone can check themselves at home for the initial symptoms.
- Itchiness. Itchiness around your genital or anal areas is a common sign of having a problem. If you maintain proper hygiene, and you still have itching, you should look at what to do about it. Unfortunately, genital warts may be very itchy in some people and others will feel no irritation at all. This leads to cases going undetected longer and further spread of the virus.
- Regular Inspection. You should check your genital area every few months, particularly if you are sexually active with a high number of different partners. You are looking for cauliflower like bumps. It is important to look carefully in areas of genital hair. You might want your forgiving partner, or a mirror handy, to thoroughly inspect your anal area. Warts around the anal region often go unnoticed for the longest amount of time. If you are getting colds easy, or you have an overall weak immune system, genital warts could be the cause. Remember the warts are the external expression of a virus your body is carrying.
- Women. Genital warts can lead to cervical cancer, and this is another reason why you should have a regular pap smear. Most women still do not get a yearly pap smear as they should. Early detection is a must because of the threat of cervical cancer developing.
- Discovery. If you have genital warts, it is recommended you seek the advice of your doctor as soon as possible. HPV treatment is available. These medications will help to keep the breakouts under control by reducing the amount of lesions and reducing their size.
- Biopsy. In the worst cases, genital warts can lead to more complicated issues. If your warts are pigmented, bleeding, or ulcerated you will need to have these warts tested further. It is important you seek medical advice immediately. There are immediate treatments to help you with genital warts in such a bad condition.
This article is only general advice, and if you are concerned, you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
Chemical treatment – doctor applies lactic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid to break down the affected skin, causing it to skin off.
A point to notice is, you may not be in a position to heal HPV wart cells but you can manage them before they become threatening and carcenogenic.