How Are Genital Warts Treated

October 29, 2009 by admin 

Genital Warts most often appear on the external genitals or near the anus of females and males. Genital Warts can also appear inside the vagina and on the cervix, although this is less common.17 Because Genital Warts aren’t always visible, they can be spread unknowingly.

Be aware of the following before we talk about treatments.

They are one of the most common infections that can be caught from sexual activity (sexually transmitted infections – STIs), and are caused by viruses called human papillomaviruses (HPV). More than 25% of sexually active young people have HPV infections, and more than 80% of sexually active women will have HPV at some stage in their lives.

There are about 40 different types of HPV causing infections in the genital area, and about 25 of them can cause genital warts. HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90 percent of genital warts (the immunisations that are being given to protect women against the HPV that cause cervical cancer also protect women from HPV types 6 and 11).

Treatments such as podophyllin (podofilox) or trichloracetic acid (TCA) are reasonable options. These chemicals are applied to the surface of the wart by a Doctor or nurse.

A new treatment is now on the market. This prescription drug works the same way as podophyllin but can be applied at home by the patient.

There is no single treatment that is best for all patients or all warts. Treatment depends partly on the size, number, and location of the warts. They can be removed from the skin with medicated creams and liquids, by freezing with liquid nitrogen, through surgery, or by laser treatment.

Your medical advisor must be contacted and will give you advice on the best treatment for you. Medications used to treat warts on the hands or feet should not be used to treat genital warts because they can be harmful to the genital skin. Warts may be more difficult to treat in persons with a weakened immune system, such as those with advanced HIV infection. Although warts can be removed, there is no cure for the original HPV infection.

If you’re diagnosed with genital warts, it’s important to tell everyone you’ve had sex with recently, so they can be evaluated for HPV and other STDS and treated appropriately. There is currently no widely available test to tell whether someone without visible warts or other symptoms is infected with HPV.

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