Genital warts: something that is not customary to talk about
People can discuss lovers, sex, relationships and intimate life in detail, even if they are not close friends. Some diseases can be discussed even with close friends, but there are issues that are not discussed with anyone. They are not dangerous or contagious, but simply disgusting. One of these shameful and unpleasant diseases are genital warts.
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At first glance, this may seem like a rare problem, but statistics indicate otherwise. Apparently a lot of people don”t want to talk about it because it”s a common problem in the genital area.
What is it
Small, round or elongated, pink, red or skin-colored growths around the genitals are genital warts, which are most likely caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. Girls are almost universally vaccinated against it to prevent cervical cancer, although this precaution is controversial.
The bad news: HPV is not always curable. About 10-20% of those cured remain in a latent form. Those who have recovered may become infected again with the same or a different strain of the virus. In total, scientists know more than 200 strains of HPV.
The good news is that genital warts are treatable. Indeed, they are only a symptom of HPV disease and can recur.
Not all genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. Some types are associated with HIV, syphilis and other dangerous sexually transmitted diseases, so if a rash appears, you should undergo a full professional examination to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
How to protect yourself from genital warts
Read also: Why is it so difficult for us to talk about painful sex?
Discussing intimate issues can be difficult even for those closest to you. But if sex brings pain instead of pleasure, it is impossible to endure in silence.
According to doctors, the best course of action is to completely abstain from sex.
If you do decide to take the risk and continue having sex, you need to take precautions.
- Use condoms (HPV can be transmitted even in the absence of rashes);
- Limit the number of partners;
- Lead a healthy lifestyle;
- Quit smoking and alcohol;
- Strengthen immunity;
- Get vaccinated.
How are genital warts treated?
It is impossible to determine with certainty whether a person is infected with this virus, since the first symptoms of human papillomavirus may appear years after infection. Using condoms reduces the risk of infection, but does not completely prevent it. In addition, the infection can be transmitted not only through genital sex, but also through oral sex.
Warts can spread to the groin or thighs, lips, tongue and throat. They are especially dangerous in the cervix, as, according to some data, they can cause cancer. If left untreated, they may go away spontaneously in a year or two, but treatment can get rid of them much faster. In addition, the treatment prevents some of the problems that occur with the rash: pain, itching, possible infection when scratching, or damage to the verruca.
For treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor who can prescribe medications and certain procedures.
- Special creams and ointments for genital warts may require quite a long period of use. They usually need to be used once every few days. Unfortunately, this method may cause side effects: burning, pain, inflammation, itching, formation of ulcers, crusts and scabs. Remedies for other types of warts most likely will not help, since they are caused by other reasons.
- Cryotherapy — freezing warts with liquid nitrogen. This is an effective way to remove warts; unfortunately, without additional treatment it has only a temporary effect. While the warts disappear after the procedure, discharge, pain, itching, and burning are possible.
- Electrodesiccation is the surgical destruction of warts with electricity, performed under local or general anesthesia. A very effective method that allows you to get rid of warts for a long time or permanently in 4-6 weeks. Side effects: skin discoloration, scars, bleeding, infections.
- Laser surgery — burning out warts with a laser under local or full anesthesia. This method is especially justified for warts located in places inaccessible to other types of treatment. Recovery will take several weeks. One of the side effects worth noting is pain.
Avoid sexual activity for at least two weeks after treatment. After treatment, you should continue to use condoms and warn partners about the disease.
If left untreated, genital warts may disappear spontaneously or grow into huge clumps. If left untreated, even if they disappear spontaneously, the risk of recurrence is quite high.
