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A: Genital warts are also known as venereal warts. They are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.
A: Genital warts are caused by a strain of the human papilloma virus (HPV). You get it from having oral, genital or anal sex with a partner who has genital warts. Once acquired, the virus can generate warts within months of sexual contact or even years later.
A: In some people, genital warts aren't visible and have no symptoms. But most people experience burning or itching in the genital area, and there may be pain or bleeding with intercourse.
A: Individual genital warts look like small, flesh-colored bumps. When they grow in a cluster, they can have a rough-edged, cauliflower shape. In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the skin between the genitals and the anus, and the neck of the uterus. In men, they grow on the penis, the scrotum or the anus. Genital warts can infect the mouth and/or throat in cases of oral sex.
A: Sometimes genital warts go away by themselves, but often treatment is needed. The first step is to see a doctor if you think you may have genital warts, or if your sexual partner has them. Once the diagnosis of genital warts is confirmed, either topical treatments or surgery will be recommended.
Topical treatments: Aldara (imiquimod), Podofilox (condylox) and Trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
Aldara is a prescription cream applied to the genital warts. It builds up your immune system's ability to combat the warts. Podofilox destroys the genital wart tissue and can irritate surrounding skin so must be applied with caution. TCA is a strong chemical treatment to burn the warts off and must be applied by a doctor.
Don't use over-the-counter creams or medications ? they may cause burning and pain.)
Surgical treatments: Large genital warts and those that don't respond to topical medications require surgery. These options include: freezing with liquid nitrogen, burning them off, surgical removal, and laser therapy.
A: Gardasil is a new vaccine (FDA approved in 2006) that protects against the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. It is recommended for girls and women aged 9 to 26 and is most effective when administered before they become sexually active. It does not work as a treatment once you have HPV or genital warts.
A: We sell Aldara cream, one of the most commonly prescribed treatments, which clears up genital warts in as little as four weeks. Aldara can be applied by the patient at home and causes very little or no discomfort in most users. Aldara doesn't destroy healthy skin although it may cause some drying, itching or peeling.
Learn the facts about Aldara topical cream for genital warts.
A: The warts themselves go away with treatment, but the virus that causes genital warts remains in your system and could lead to future outbreaks requiring repeat treatment of the warts.
A: You need to consult with a doctor in order to confirm the diagnosis and to discuss the appropriate treatment. You will also want to discuss the related health issues connected to the HPV virus (especially women) and how to prevent spreading genital warts to others.
A: Most cases of HPV do NOT lead to cervical cancer, however it is a possible complication for women with certain strains of HPV. If you have HPV, be sure to get regular Pap tests and pelvic exams. These can help detect cervical cancer at an early stage. A Pap test every 3 to 6 months may be recommended.
A: Because genital warts spread via skin to skin contact, using a condom helps prevent spreading the infection IF the condom covers the warts. But warts in places not covered by the condom can be spread. So it's best to avoid sexual contact completely when genital warts are visible on you or your partner and wait until they have healed.
A: Some treatments for genital warts can cause birth defects so be sure to tell your health care provider that you are pregnant so a safe treatment can be prescribed. Very rarely, children of women with genital warts can be born with throat warts, which can be dangerous and require surgery.
