Hundreds of thousands of people are stricken with genital warts every year. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and they are sexually transmitted. There are more than seventy different types of the virus that cause the warts, so prevention is needed to ensure that you do not get them. If you notice warts in or around the anus, vagina, cervix, scrotum, or the penis, then chances are you probably have genital warts.
Prevention is Important
There are many ways to prevent getting the warts. One way to avoid getting them is to be sure to wear a condom when having vaginal or anal intercourse. Another way to prevent or reduce the risk of getting the warts is to stop smoking. Studies have found that those who smoke are more likely to get the warts. You can also get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine to protect yourself against the main two types of the virus that cause nearly 90% of genital wart cases.
Getting Treatment for Your Symptoms
Treatment can make things much more bearable if you are suffering with genital warts. Although you can temporarily get rid of general warts when they go away on their own, they may come back since the virus will be in your bloodstream. In addition to wart cremes, there are a range of medications that are available by prescription such as Imiquimod, podophyllin, and trichloroacetic acid and others. In extreme cases, surgery may be an option, but this is typically done only as a last result. It is not the end of the world if you have warts because you can treat the symptoms effectively. The best court of action is to consult with your physician to come up with a treatment plan that will be right for your needs.
