What are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women.
The infection can be passed on through both vaginal and anal sex and occasionally oral sex. Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be passed on during a sexual encounter. For some individuals that have the virus, physical warts may not appear. However, you can still pass on the infection to others.
Whether the warts are visible or not, the virus can be cleared from the body with the correct treatment.
Genital Wart Symptoms
- Females with genital warts may find warts on the vulva, cervix and within the vagina
- Males with genital warts may find warts on the penis, scrotum and urethra
- Bleeding from the anus of the urethra
- A distorted urine flow could suggest a wart on the urethra
- Bleeding during intercourse
- Itching or discomfort in your genital area
Treatments
To treat genital warts, you will need to consult a Doctor. The Doctor will evaluate your condition and establish what treatment is best suited for you.
Common treatments include:
Medical Creams & Liquids
Dependant on your condition a Doctor may prescribe various creams or liquids to treat warts. Usually, this is a self-applying treatment that you will need to use a few times a week for several weeks. However, your Doctor may suggest that you visit a clinic every week so that a nurse can apply it. This treatment can often cause the patient to feel irritation, soreness or a burning sensation in their genital region.
Freezing
It may be suggested that you get your genital warts frozen. This treatment is always administered by a Doctor or Nurse. This treatment involves visiting a clinic on a weekly basis for up to 4 weeks.
Surgery
There are various surgical treatments available for genital warts, your Doctor may suggest any of the following:
Surgical Excision – This treatment involves a Doctor using medical tools to physically remove any warts. For this treatment local anaesthesia is essential.
Electrocautery – Electrocautery treatments involve using an electrical current to remove warts. After this procedure, you may find that you have some soreness and swelling.
Laser Treatment – Laser treatment can be used for individuals that are having trouble treating genital warts. A common side effect to laser treatment includes scarring and pain following the procedure.
Need to talk to a Doctor?
If you are concerned that you have genital warts, book an appointment with one of our Online Doctors today. One of our dedicated Doctors will help you reach a diagnosis and prescribe you with any necessary medication in 90 minutes.
