Genital Warts Are Not Fun: Prevention Is Key
When you have sex, there are many things to worry about. There's pregnancy and then there are STD's. One of the most common of these STD's is genital warts. Genital warts are caused by direct contact by the skin of an infected person. The warts are actually caused by a strain of HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus. Genital warts are not only unattractive but they can lead to cancer if not treated. The best thing to do, however, is practice prevention so that you don't get genital warts in the first place. Always use a condom during sex and try to limit your sexual partners. These prevention techniques can protect against warts as well as a number of other STD's. There is no cure for genital warts, but sometimes they will go away on their own. You can have them treated, however, for aesthetic reasons and for peace of mind.
What They Look Like
Genital warts are very unattractive. They are marked by white, cauliflower looking bumps on or around the penis or vagina. They can also be found around the anus in some individuals. These bumps are not only unsightly, but they can also cause great mental trauma in those that have them. That's because they fear about other sexual partners finding out about them. Unlike other sexually transmitted diseases that are otherwise invisible, warts are hard to hide. There is hope, however, because they can be treated. Doctors have had success freezing them off with liquid nitrogen. This can lead to scarring but it can get rid of the genital warts that are causing so much stress to the sufferer.
Creams and Other Treatments
There are creams and other treatments that have shown promise in getting rid of genital warts. These creams are prescribed by your doctor and should never be used unless approved. Most are prescription strength, so ask your doctor if they've heard of them. If you're too embarrassed to see a doctor about genital warts, do it for yourself and also for any future sexual partners. After all, you don't want to spread them to other people if you can help it. So make sure you seek out treatment as there are several treatment options available.
There is no cure for HPV or genital warts, but sometimes a person's immune system will eradicate them on its own. The best thing to do if you have genital warts is to see your doctor. You should do this not only for your own peace of mind, but also the health of any of your future sexual partners. Having this STD isn't the end of the world, though it can seem that way to anyone who suffers from them. Just know that you're not alone as warts and HPV are the most common STD around today. Knowing that can make dealing with them a little easier.