Genital Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for a Common Sexually Transmitted Infection

Overview

Genital warts are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Its major symptom is a small bump on the genitals which is caused due to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Below is a detailed description of the causes, symptoms and signs, risk factors, and treatment options for Genital Warts to heal the medical disorder as soon as possible.

Genital Warts are soft growths on the genitals of the affected individual. These growths can be itchy and uncomfortable. Genital Warts can happen due to STIs or HPV. Sexual unhygienic conditions are one of the biggest causes of Genital Warts. Warts affect the areas where skin contact has happened during sexual intercourse. Hence, these warts can also be found on the genitals, lining of the mouth, lips, and throat due to oral sex. Males can find these warts on the penis, scrotum, groin, thighs, and around the anus. Females can find Genital Warts on the anus or inside of the vagina, outside the vagina or cervix, and on the cervix. These warts can be painful and irritating if not treated with proper medications and treatment at the right time.

Causes of Genital Warts

Unhygienic sexual conditions are one of the biggest causes of Genital Warts; mentioned below are some other causes of this sexual infection:

• • HPV– Human Papilloma Virus is one of the highly transmitted STIs. It is one of the biggest causes of Genital Warts. It happens due to direct skin-to-skin contact during anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse. The infection can spread easily when an individual is in contact with an affected individual through sexual intercourse.
  • Oral Sex– Giving oral sex or receiving it from someone is also one of the causes of Genital Warts. The virus can be affected during the procedure by spreading the infection near the mouth, lips, and throat. Hence, these warts can also be found in the mentioned areas and are uncomfortable if not treated with proper medications on time.
  • Genital Touching– Direct skin contact with the affected individual through genital touching can be one of the easiest causes of Genital Warts. The infection can be spread easily with genital touching without any ejaculation. Hence, the partners involved in sexual activity should maintain hygiene to avoid the symptoms of Genital Warts. 
  • Sexual Intercourse– Sexual intercourse is of the easiest and most highly observed causes of Genital Warts. Having sexual intercourse with an individual affected by Genital Warts spreads the infection to another person involved in the activity. Hence, getting rid of such infections is advisable to avoid their spread. Therefore, maintaining sexual hygiene is one of the most important concerns to avoid spreading infection-causing Genital Warts.

Symptoms of Genital Warts

• • Genital Warts can be easily identified by warts found on the genitals, lining of mouth and lips, and throat. Mentioned below is a detailed description of some other symptoms of Genital Warts: 
  • Bleeding- A person affected by Genital Warts might experience itching on the soft growths. These soft growths can bleed when scratched by the affected individual. Hence, mild bleeding is one of the symptoms of Genital Warts. Therefore, it is advised to avoid scratching the Genital Warts. 
  • Burning Sensation- Burning sensation is another symptom of Genital Warts. It can happen due to friction during sexual intercourse, wearing fitted and tight clothes, or by itching or scratching warts. Hence, an affected individual should wear comfortable clothes and avoid scratching warts to avoid bleeding and a burning sensation.
  • Itching– Continuous itching is one of the common symptoms of Genital Warts. The Affected individual feels uncomfortable and might scratch continuously to avoid discomfort. Unfortunately, it worsens the Genital Warts and might make them more aggravating. Therefore, in chronic itching, the affected individual should immediately rush to a doctor to diagnose the condition for proper medications and treatment.

Treatment Options for Genital Warts

Maintaining sexual hygiene is one of the prime treatment options for Genital Warts. Mentioned below are some of the other methods that can help to cure the infection:

• • Medications– Medications for Genital Warts such as Aldara, Condylox, and Trichloroacetic Acid can be prescribed by doctors to heal Genital Warts. These help to fight the virus-causing infection and shrink the size of the soft growths.
  • Surgery– If any treatment option cannot heal warts, doctors advise surgery as one of the treatment options for Genital Warts. Minor surgery can help to get rid of the warts easily at a quick pace. In addition, the affected individual can be advised electrocautery, freezing warts, laser treatments, excision, or specific injections to eliminate Genital Warts. 

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gynecology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

• • Best Gynecology in delhi
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Conclusion

Genital Warts are soft growths on the genitals, and other parts of the body caused due to STD or HPV. These growths can be healed with the help of proper medication and surgery. These can be avoided by maintaining hygiene during sexual intercourse. Maintaining sexual hygiene to avoid the causes and spread of STIs is one of the prime steps to avoid Genital Warts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are Genital Warts?
A. Genital Warts are soft growths over the genitals of the affected individual caused due to STD or HPV. These can occur on the genitals and the affected individual’s body.

Q. How are Genital Warts transmitted?
A. Genital Warts can easily transmit through direct skin contact with the affected individual. It can happen during anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse.

Q. What are the symptoms of Genital Warts?
A. Bleeding of warts, itching of the genital area, and feeling a burning sensation in the affected area are some common symptoms of Genital Warts. 

Q. How are Genital Warts diagnosed?
A. Doctors might suggest different types of tests, such as pelvic exams and anal exams, to identify the symptoms of Genital Warts. 

Q. What are the treatment options for Genital Warts?
A. Genital Warts can be treated with the help of medications according to the condition of the disorder or with the help of different types of surgeries such as laser surgery or freezing of warts.

Reference Links

• • https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/sexual-and-reproductive-health-srh/
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/std/genital-warts
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts