Genital warts are non-cancerous sexually transmitted infections caused by the human papillomavirus (also called HPV for short). They are a fairly common sexually transmitted disease. However, in most cases, people end up asymptomatic, and their infections go unnoticed. This is why it’s necessary to get yourself and your partner tested regularly for any STDs to stay safe.
Genital warts is mostly a mild sexually transmitted disease, and its treatment is cheaper than a PCOS treatment. Prevention is key when it comes to this particular sexually transmitted disease, as it can save you a lot of pain and hassle later on.
This article will guide you regarding treatment plans if you have been diagnosed with or suspect that you might have genital warts. The plans mentioned below are widely available in most medical clinics and hospitals and have similar prices globally.
Common Symptoms of Genital Warts
Usually, these warts show up as raised bumps that stand alone or in clusters that can resemble a cauliflower. They can be extremely itchy, especially when they are near your genitals-in the pubic area or the anal canal. This can lead to discomfort at the slightest contact with fabric.
Warts can also bleed profusely if they are scratched too much, leaving permanent scars. In some cases, bloody discharge is present in urine and stools.
Having said that, it’s important to remember that many people don’t show any symptoms and can unknowingly spread these diseases.
How Exactly Can You Contract Genital Warts?
The most common way to contract genital warts is through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person-which usually happens during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This can include sharing sex toys or coming in contact with genital secretions. The warts typically start appearing three months after the infection has been contracted.
Having a weak immune system can make you vulnerable to this infection. Therefore, you should take preventative measures and make sure your sexual partners are all tested and are HPV-free (since the HPV virus types 6 and 11 are primarily responsible for causing this disease).
The good news is that these strains can be defeated with a strong immune system. Unfortunately, if you’re taking immunosuppressive medicine, this can prove difficult.
What Is the Treatment Plan for Genital Warts?
Thankfully, there are many different treatment options for genital warts. Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice, all of them can be used at the same time or cycled through.
Topical Creams
Doctors prescribe certain creams for the treatment of warts. These are topical formulas that patients are advised to apply directly on the infected area to ease pain and destroy the raised bump internally by attacking the tissue. Podofilox is one popular option.
Cryotherapy
In cryotherapy, the warts’ tissue is artificially frozen with liquid nitrogen. This causes it to stop respiration and die, eventually causing it to detach and fall off.
However, a downside to cryotherapy is that it is time-consuming and expensive. This procedure requires many sessions for the bumps to be successfully extracted, which can be troublesome for your wallet.
Laser Treatment
A special beam of light is used to cut and remove the lesions. This treatment is a very last-resort option. It is only meant for warts that are extremely resistant to tropical creams and cryotherapy.
Like cryotherapy, this procedure can also be extremely financially draining and will require multiple sessions for a successful operation.
How Can I Prevent Genital Warts?
Genital wart treatments can be painful and time-consuming, so it is better to take preventative measures and stay safe and healthy. The surest way to ensure you do not contract the condition is-
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine can protect you from different strains of the virus from a very young age. It is usually recommended being given when you’re a pre-teen, but you’re still free to get a shot until you’re in your mid-twenties. If you have the time, we would suggest getting a shot immediately!
Regular Condom Use
Practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of catching HPV, since direct sexual contact is one of the major reasons behind genital warts. A study found that women whose partners used condoms during sexual intercourse had 70% less chance of being infected with HPV compared to people who used condoms occasionally.
Sexual and Mental Health Go Hand in Hand
Contracting a sexually transmitted disease might cause a lot of anxiety in your personal life. However, it would help if you reminded yourself that a good gynecologist will ease your worries with a top-notch treatment plan so that you’re back to your usual routine in no time.
A good gynecologist in Dubai will even refer you to a therapist to help your mental state while you’re undergoing treatment. This is important, as research shows that self-esteem, sexual wellness and body image issues take a serious dip when you contract warts.
