Genital warts or venereal warts are a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that spread easily through skin to skin contact. These are growths on the skin of the genital area and around the anus caused by certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV).
Symptoms of genital warts include flesh-colored, soft-to-the-touch bumps on the skin that may look like the surface of a cauliflower. Often found in one place and may cluster in large masses, genital warts usually are painless but may itch.
These can sometimes be felt in your vagina or on your cervix and vulva, penis, anus or urethra for male. As unpleasant and uncomfortable as the effect may be, they are not dangerous as the type of HPV that causes genital warts do not cause cancer. However, they can cause sores and bleeding that increase risk of HIV infection.
Pregnant women with genital warts can have healthy pregnancies. Rare occurrence may happen and genital warts can be passed to a newborn during vaginal delivery, resulting to serious medical conditions for the newborn.
As our bodies fight off the virus, the warts may go away without treatment. Topical medications are available upon prescription and can be used in the comfort of your own home.
Warts can be removed with various treatments. They may be removed by cryotherapy and electrocauterization. They may also be removed with surgery or with lasers. In some cases, they are treated with injections of interferon, another type of medication.
To prevent infection, have a safe sex. Abstinence is still number one in warding off most STDs. Sexually active individuals must undergo regular checkup by medical specialists to watch out for signs of abnormal growth in their genital area.
