Genital Warts

Genital warts form on the male and female genitalia (both inside and outside) and near the anus; they may appear singly or in a bunch and if allowed untreated, they can grow bigger and appear like cauliflowers. This is an easily transmitted for of the human papilloma virus found in other more common varieties with the exception that this form is just as readily transmitted orally. Many carriers (especially women) are unaware they carry the genital warts virus and can pass it on without knowing even if their partner is wearing a condom; which makes prevention difficult.

Just to compound the problem, there is no reason why once infected a person is infected, they do not have to show signs straight away and the virus may not activate for months, even longer. Nevertheless, once infection has occurred, the virus has a new host and the disease gets spread even more. To date more than 100 human papilloma virus viruses have been discovered but the one that causes ano-genital warts is called human papilloma virus 6 (HPV6). Although outer warts can be easily seen, women who develop them inside their genitalia may not be seen until a doctor examines the site.

The problem is made worse by the environment that genital warts use to multiply, damp and moist areas; and this is exactly what they find in and around a woman's genitals, plus some discharge may be present. Even with the resources of medical science, the preferred method of removal is still the application of liquid nitrogen which is incredibly cold and kills the warts; sometimes more than one application is required. Removal by liquid nitrogen is quite painless but even so it is not always possible to use this process owing to the area to be treated.

Two other methods which require professional medical attention is the use of electro-cautery or the emerging laser wart removal process. Even these methods rely on the infection being located in a position that it is safe to use the process but removal is no guarantee of complete eradication. Designed to help a person's immune system to fight the infection as well as destroy them, imiquimod can be used on ano-genital warts as well but once again, it cannot guarantee re-infection will not occur (even while it is being administered).

While imiquimod is generally effective there are times when it is unsafe so a consultation with the doctor is advisable especially when a woman is expecting a baby; this liquid cannot be applied inside the vagina or on the genitals nor on inflamed areas of skin. Common side effects of imiquimod are Skin blisters, coughs, body aches and itching in genital area but your doctor will tell you more in detail. Any information presented here is done to give an overview of the subject of genital warts and is not a substitute for professional medical advice which should be sought if the condition in this article relates to you.