How do I know if I have genital warts?
If you suspect that you show signs of genital warts, you should go to a clinic or doctor for a clinical examination. Genital warts in women can be spotted with a Pap smear test or pelvic examination. A colposcope is used to magnify cells from the cervix. Because HPV may cause cancer of the cervix, regular Pap smear tests are important to ensure early treatment.
A number of ways exist to diagnose the existence of HPV or very small genital warts that is not easily visible. The skin can be swabbed with acetic acid (a weak vinegar-like solution) and affected areas will appear white. Tissue or fluid can also be examined microscopically for any sign of HPV.
Genital warts treatment
Different kinds of genital warts treatments exist. After you have been diagnosed with genital warts you can choose to follow a genital warts treatment:
Choosing no genital warts treatment at all:
Many people choose not to treat their warts as it is entirely possible for genital warts to cure themselves and disappear after a period of time. This option is NOT recommendable for women, especially pregnant women, as genital warts may complicate pregnancy and childbirth and be passed onto the child during childbirth. The risk of contracting cervical cancer when genital warts treatment is neglected also exists. It is most advisable for both men and women to undergo genital warts treatment in the early stages as there are no way to know if the problem will disappear or become more serious.
Genital warts removal:
Genital warts removal can be done through several methods. Sometimes warts can reappear after the first genital warts removal and it may be necessary to undergo several
genital warts treatment in order to be cured.
Genital warts treatment can be done by "painting" the warts with a poisonous chemical: Podophyllin, Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and Biochloroacetic acid (BCA) are used
for genital warts removal by a clinician or doctor. Podophyllin should not be used during pregnancy.
Genital warts removal can be done at home with treatment by Podofilox / Podophyllotoxin or Imiquimod.
Podophyllotoxin commonly known as Condyline or Wartex, can be used for genital warts removal at home but should be avoided during pregnancy. Imiquimod Cream or Aldara
can be used for genital warts removal at home and is safe to use during pregnancy. Imiquimod Cream is more effective in women than men, but may cause a burning sensation.
Imiquimod Cream is also known to be more effective in preventing the return of genital warts and providing an effective genital warts cure.
Genital warts removal can be done by freezing off the warts. This is also known as cryotherapy. Other genital warts removal methods include burning off the warts (electrocauterization), laser removal under surgery, or injecting the warts with Interferon or 5-flourouracil gel implants. These injected chemicals may hold after-affects and the genital warts treatment is not allowed in some countries.
If you are pregnant, see your doctor first before choosing a genital warts treatment.
Genital Warts Cure
Currently there are no known infallible genital warts cure existing. Genital warts may disappear completely or return after being treated. Most people are cleared after their first series of genital warts treatment. For women, Imiquimod Cream is the most effective genital warts cure and in preventing warts from returning but may hold some uncomfortable or painful side-effects.
Scientific researchers are currently researching for a more permanent genital warts cure. A vaccine called Gardasil is in the process of being developed for preventing and curing genital warts and HPV.
After Genital Warts Treatment
Recurrences of genital warts can occur even after a seemingly successful genital warts treatment. Smoking increases the chances of those recurrences. If gential warts are not treated properly, it may affect your immune system and cause open sores that can make you more receptive for contracting the HIV virus.
Genital warts treatment may take months. Make sure all traces of HPV virus is gone before having any sexual contact, because even though no warts may be visible the virus can still be carried over to partners. Condoms are not totally effective in preventing the spread of gential warts.
Prevention of Genital Warts:
Because Genital Warts is an STD, the normal prevention methods for STD's also count for preventing genital warts. Avoiding high risk sexual encounters, multiple sex partners or abstaining from sex completely will reduce your risk in obtaining genital warts.
Condoms do not ensure protection against gential warts, but may reduce some of the risk and also reduce the risk of obtaining other STD's. It is good practice to use condoms every time you have sex.
Always remember that genital warts can be spread from one person to another even though they can be too small to be seen.
The only proven way to prevent obtaining gential warts is not coming in contact with HPV infected skin areas. It is not proven that HPV can be spread through use of objects such as bath towels or water.
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