Freedom for those infected.
Though hidden from public eye, genital warts are the cause of much distress and discomfort to the men and women afflicted with this common, viral skin infection. Genital warts are the commonest type of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and the easiest to identify among all other types of warts caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). As statistics reveal, close to 6 million men and women in the US annually suffer from genital warts symptoms. Early detection and genital warts treatment is advised, as some strains of female or male genital warts have the potential to develop into malignant, tumors and cancers. To learn more about genital warts, genital warts treatment and its symptoms, read on.
How can genital warts be described?
Genital warts can best be described by their appearance. Generally, they are moist and soft to the touch, as they occur on the genital area’s moist tissues and consist of lumps that are flesh-colored and cauliflower-shaped in appearance. In women, female genital warts, or internal genital warts occur on the vagina, anus, vaginal canal, vulva, or even in the cervix. On the other hand, male genital warts usually appear on the shaft or tip of the penis (penis warts or penile warts), and in some cases, even in the scrotum area. At the outset, genital warts may be 1 - 2 millimeters in diameter on an average; however, if not detected or treated in time, they can grow into much larger clusters and significantly increase in number.
How can the symptoms be identified?
Unfortunately, genital warts do not reveal any early symptoms of significance. In fact, statistical data reveals that 50% of women infected with genital warts do not show any visible manifestations of the HPV virus or the warts themselves. The flesh color and small size of such warts are usually attributed to the inability to identify the symptoms of such warts in the initial stages. However, although painless in most cases, genital warts can cause discomfort, when they grow in size and number, specifically when they form multiple clusters. Often, genital warts occurring near the urethral opening may lead to urinary blockage and, in more severe cases, bleeding. Continuous itching and burning around the genital area can also be the symptoms of genital warts. This condition will not necessarily be confined to women but would also apply for male genital warts. In either case, genital warts treatment would be required immediately.
Are there risks involved?
There are indeed several risk factors associated with genital warts. Inadequate nutrition, a poor hygiene, alcoholism or people with diseases in their immune systems, are susceptible to acquiring genital warts. However, these constitute non-sexual, risk factors. Other significant, risk factors include teenage sexual intercourse, unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. Prolonged neglect to seek genital warts treatment can lead to tumors and cancers in the genital area (particularly with vaginal warts) and also have the potential of malignancy.
The best cure or control of genital warts is to seek immediate genital warts treatment at the first signs of lumps that may be painless, in the genital area. Remember, genital warts can be treated successfully with the state-of-the-art techniques that are available today.
