Genital warts are a viral disease caused by the virus which is Human Papilloma virus. It is a sexually transmitted disease which is tough to cure. Genital warts are more common in sexually active people. Though a sexually transmitted disease, it can be easily transmitted through sharing of things used by the infected people. Even small babies get infected if things such as towels used by the infected people are also used by them. Here are some simple five facts about genital warts that would be helpful for you to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

1. Have safe sex. Genital warts are seen in the genital region or the area surrounding the rectum. In men, they are seen either at the penis or under the skin. Sometimes they are not visible. The virus easily spreads if you have sex with a person infected with the human papilloma virus. It is recommended to use condom. It is essential to avoid having sex with multiple partners. Remember the fact that you are not the only sufferer, even the rest of the family gets easily infected if they mistakenly share things used by you. If you are pregnant there is risk of infection being transferred to the baby. Take appropriate care.

2. Get vaccinated. There is no vaccine for genital warts. Great efforts of scientist resulted in the discovery of a vaccine named Gardasil. This is a preventive for cervical cancer and the same is found to show effective results for genital warts. By taking this vaccine you can protect yourself from two dreadful diseases, the genital warts and cervical cancer.

3. Know about the symptoms and take immediate care. If a person gets infected with genital warts then they will not show the symptoms immediately. It takes about two to four weeks for the disease to express its presence. Genital warts that generally appear in the genital regions can be either flat or raised. Warts are not very painful but are itchy. Sometimes, the genital warts remain unnoticed; in such cases the doctor rubs the itchy and painful area with acetic acid. When rubbed with acetic acid, genital warts if present are seen as white patches over the skin.

4. Learn about the tests that are used to confirm genital warts. Simple physical examination itself reveals the presence of genital warts. However, Pap smear test is used for confirmation.

5. Know about the available treatment options. Most people have a notion that genital warts are untreatable. But the use of appropriate drugs for a very long period cures the disease. Even if the disease is not cured completely it reduces the severity of the symptoms. Topical creams are available to treat genital warts. 20% solution of podofilox and flurouracil creams can be used to treat genital warts. Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery is a method that is effectively used to remove the genital warts. Antiviral drugs such as interferon alpha are injected directly into the affected region. If you are pregnant you should not use certain drugs and creams such as podofilox and 5-flurouracil cream. In some cases, laser treatment is used to treat genital warts.

Jason Ladock

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