1. What are Genital Warts Symptoms?

Genital warts are small pink or red growths that are usually found in or around the penis or vagina. They can be spread to other parts of the body and to other people through contact with the infected area. Genital warts vary in size from barely noticeable to the size of large pimples. They often appear in groups of three or four and may grow and spread rapidly. Sometimes mild pain, itching, and bleeding can occur.

What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) which is a sexually transmitted disease. If you find that you have HPV don’t be too upset - over half of middle-aged America has some evidence of being infected. In most cases genital warts will go away on their own, but as there is no cure for HPV they could come back. Usually people that are infected wait to see if they spread or go away on their own. If they spread then there are many treatments options to get rid of genital warts.
As long as there are genital warts present, the disease is contagious. ALWAYS use a condom.

What do Genital Warts Look Like?

I will not post genital warts pictures on this page because they are not pretty… There are however plenty of pictures of genital warts here.

Cancer Risk Factors

Certain types of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, vulvular cancer, and cancer of the penis. Though rare, if you are a woman then a simple Pap test will detect any abnormal cervical cells. If you believe or know that you have genital warts it’s a good idea to see your doctor for regular checkups so any abnormal growths can be treated early.

2. How to get rid of Genital Warts:

There are a few ways to get rid of them depending on how you want to go about doing so. Regardless of which method you choose, you MUST see your doctor first. Here are some of your choices.
Topical treatments. Ask your doctor to prescribe you a topical medication to take home so you don’t have to feel awkward having a stranger perform the application (Unless you like that kind of thing. ) These medications are usually some form of chemical that ‘burns’ the wart off. Such chemicals are only to be used for external warts around the pubic area; not any that are inside the vagina, penis, or the rectum.
Podofilox (Condylox) is one such chemical which comes in gel or lotion form, and can be applied by an applicator that comes with the medicine. If the solution gets on non-infected skin it can cause severe irritation, wash it off immediately. Never use this product for more than three days a week, for four treatment cycles. If your genital warts are still sticking around after this, go back to your doctor for a stronger solution.
Podophyllin resin (Podofin) comes in lotion or gel form that you can use it at home. It is applied three times a day for three consecutive days, followed by a four day break; to be repeated for four weeks. Podophyllin resin can only be applied by your doctor so he can monitor the usage carefully, and check for serious side effects. Some common side effects are burning, swelling, redness, and pain. If you are pregnant DO NOT use this product. Always check with your doctor before using ANY medications.
Surgical Procedures are available, but should be considered only as a last resort. Here are a few of the more common procedures:

• Cryothreapy – The genital wart is frozen off.
• Electrocautery – The genital wart is burned off with electricity.
• Laser Surgery – The genital wart is burned off with a high-intensity laser.
• Surgical Excision – The genital wart is cut out.

All of these procedures can leave scars, and may be very painful depending on the warts location so choose carefully.

Some of our readers suggest Wartrol Genital Wart Relief.