How to Prevent and Treat Genital Warts
Genital warts are an important topic because they are the most commonly sexually transmitted disease. Genital warts are caused by the genital human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 79 million Americans are infected with HPV. Many people infected with HPV will not experience visible warts or any symptoms; however, even without symptoms HPV can lead to higher risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Signs and Symptoms
Genital warts appear as bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area. They can be large, small, raised, flat, or clustered. Typically genital warts are diagnosed from a visual exam by a healthcare provider. In most cases, HPV will go away on its own and will not cause health problems; however, some cases can be associated with cervical, vulvar, anal, and penile cancers.
Prevention
The only completely effective way to prevent an HPV infection is abstinence. Additionally, monogamous relationships between two people who have been recently tested and disease-free is also viewed as relatively safe. The virus is spread from skin-to-skin contact, so latex condoms do not offer full protection, though condoms can help reduce the chance of being infected, when used correctly.
The HPV vaccine is also available to everyone ages 9 to 45, although it’s recommended that children ages 11 or 12 get the vaccine before they become sexually active. The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and/or different types of HPV that can cause cancer.
HPV and Pap Smears
Woman ages 21 to 65 should schedule routine screening for cervical cancer through Pap smears. Woman with the HPV virus will need more frequent Pap smears since the presence is associated with cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.
Treatment
Treatment varies by case, but can include applying chemicals or creams, in an effort to get the warts to stop growing and go away. Other treatments include freezing, burning with electric current, or removing them with a knife or wife and electricity (LEEP). While these procedures may sound scary, they will remove the warts, thus lowering the symptoms and chances of passing them on.
Talk to your doctor
If you think that you have genital warts or if you are interested in measures to protect yourself from HPV, talk to your doctor. Genital warts are nothing to be embarrassed about. Your OB-GYN is knowledgeable in prevention and treatment and can help put you at ease.
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