Genital warts are also known as anal and venereal warts apart from the scientific name of Condylomata acuminata. It is an infectious STD caused by strains of the human papilloma virus or HPV. Genital warts is the most visible manifestation of HPV infection. But not all infected by the HPV show genital warts. Hence, an HPV infection may not always result in warts, but having genital warts always means an HPV infection.
Genital warts are as prevalent in men as in women. But these are less visible in men. In women they occur on the outside or inside of the vagina, on the cervix of the uterus (opening of the womb) or around the anus. In men it is found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum or around the anus. It may develop inside the mouth and the throat of those who have oral sex with some infected partners.
The formation of genital warts is not an immediate occurrence after HPV infection. There is usually a period of dormancy, after which the warts erupt. In this latent period, the individual is highly infective and hence a danger for his sexual partners.
There are different straits of HPV. 90% of all the warts are caused by types 6 and 11. Incidentally types 16 and 18 cause cervical cancer, but not the warts. Gardasil is a preventive vaccine which can guard against HPV of type 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is not, however, therapeutic and cannot cure an infected person, but if taken before hand can prevent a person from being infected.
Some warts can look similar to and hence confused with the Condylomata Acuminata. These are Molluscum Contagiosum, Fordyce's spots and Hirsuties papillaries genitalis. Hence, if warts are found near genitalia, a doctor's consultation is a must. Only a trained medical expert can differentiate between different type of warts.
Several methods exist so as to remove genital warts. The method of treatment is based on size and location of warts among other factors.
Imiquimod is a immune response cream applied to the local area
A 20% podophyllin anti-mitotic solution to be applied locally and then to be washed off
A 0.5% podofilox solution to be applied, but not to be washed off
Trichloroacetic acid
Pulsed dye laser
Liquid Nitrogen cryosurgery
Electric or laser cauterization
Condylox
Polyphenon E ointment made from green tea leaves extraction. It is however very expensive.
Surgery
Genital wart removal does not of course mean that HPV has been cured. Traditional theory assumes that HPV cannot be cured. However new studies involving DNA techniques have shown that the virus can either be removed or suppressed to such levels that it cannot be harmful through immunological response. However, if the HPV is not controlled genital warts once removed will come out once again. So while trying to remove genital warts, one should go for complete cure of HPV. Needless to say that earlier is the diagnosis, better is the chance of recovery. Studies have shown that 70% of the new HPV takes less than a year to clear and 91% may take up to two years. The healing process varies from person to person. Depending upon the quantity and size of the warts and the immune system of the patient, warts can be removed within two to six months. But removal of HPV will naturally take longer.
The most popular method of wart treatment is genital wart cream. It is non-intrusive and painless unlike surgery. These creams usually have plant based anti-viral ingredients and no harsh acids to burn the skin. Hence the creams allay the afflicted skin and remove the warts. But a deep-root treatment of warts is necessary as in its absence, they may recur. One should shed one's embarrassment and visit a doctor. Only a doctor can telly if the wart is an HPV infection or not and if so, how it should be best treated. Remember - removal of warts is not indicator of removal of HPV infection. HPV can be controlled if not cured. See
Being a professional, Matthew McMillan only recommends the best cure possible for the genital warts treatments. His methods are highly recommended and information of genital warts home remedy can be found at www.treatmentforgenitalwarts.com.
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