What are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are small, flesh colored bumps that may appear on one’s pubic region. These bumps are caused by certain strands of the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV. Genital warts are extremely common, hard to prevent, and are passed on via skin-to-skin contact.
How can Genital Warts affect my health?
Typically, those with genital warts experience no pain, however, there may be a degree of itching. Genital Warts are not dangerous. However, if they should open or begin to bleed, one is more susceptible to additional infections.
Smoking, which lowers the immune system, can increase one’s risk. Also, the infection can be transmitted to a child during childbirth.
How do I know if I have Genital Warts and what are the treatment options?
A simple trip to your health care provider or clinic can determine whether or not you have Genital Warts. In general, a physician can confirm an infection by a physical examination. A further blood test or swab is a possibility, but rare.
Once an individual is diagnosed, there are a few treatment options. One may choose to apply a topical medicine to the infected area. This will aid in the management of breakouts and symptoms. There is also the option to freeze off the individual warts. Finally, one can choose to receive no treatment at all. Since Genital Warts are the result of a virus, there is no antibiotic treatment. The body must fight off the infection by itself. This means that treatment relates to management, not curing. Sometimes the best option is to just wait it out.
How to prevent infection
- Use your eyes. If there are questionable bumps on you or your partner’s body, it may be a good idea to abstain from physical contact (keep in mind though that not all bumps are warts). It is important to know what is “normal” for your body.
- Use protection. Though protection will not eliminate the risk of infection, it dramatically lowers it. Choose protection methods that cover the skin and/or infected area.
- Abstain from physical contact. Abstinence is the only sure fire way to avoid infection.