How to Treat Genital Warts

The spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has been increasing over the years. More and more people have unprotected sex, which means that the absence of a condom ends up causing the appearance of diseases such as genital herpes or genital warts.

This time we are going to talk about how to treat genital warts, a problem that has been increasing in recent years, with a high rate of infection. HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes the appearance of genital warts, is the most common sexually transmitted disease globally. In Spain it affects one in four adolescents.

Given the great problem that this entails, it is important to know how they are spread and how it can be prevented.

What are genital warts

Genital warts are caused by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear on the skin around intimate areas. This involves both the anus and the genitals; and small flesh-colored bumps may appear, being imperceptible to the human eye due to their small size.

Although they can be very annoying for those who suffer from them, the reality is that they have treatment and do not compromise health. This is because its strains are not the same as those that can cause cancer. However, although they are not potentially dangerous, it is necessary to take precautions and carry out an adequate treatment so that they do not appear; and also to prevent them from spreading to other people.

The spread of genital warts

Genital warts are very common, with more than 290 million women globally suffering from the human papillomavirus according to what is indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO). For this reason, although avoiding contagion can be somewhat complicated, precautions must be taken.

To begin with, it is necessary to know the different ways through which they can be spread, which are the following:

• Through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
• When having oral, vaginal or anal sex.
• There is no need for penetration or ejaculation for contagion to exist.
• They can be transmitted without there being visible symptoms of them.
• During childbirth a mother can transmit them to her baby, although it is less frequent.

Also, keep in mind that HPV can remain in a person’s body for a long time before there are signs of suffering. This makes it possible for you to get infected without knowing it.

How to treat genital warts

If you have genital warts, the first thing you should do is go to the urologist or gynecologist, depending on whether you are a man or a woman, so that they can analyze them and make the corresponding diagnosis. It will also indicate the appropriate treatment to eliminate both warts and the virus. This treatment will depend on the place where they are present.

To treat them, different methods can be used, such as the following:

• Removal of warts with cold.
• Removal of warts electrically or with a scalpel.
• Burn warts using electric current.
• Application of chemical products that cause its elimination.
• Use of topical creams.

Also, it is important not to have sexual intercourse until the genital warts are completely gone. Keep in mind that they can be spread repeatedly if safe sex is not practiced.

How to prevent genital warts

The most effective way to avoid problems with genital warts is to bet on prevention. If you don’t want to have this problem, you mainly have two ways to find yourself protected, which are:

Vaccination

There is a vaccine that protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Therefore, if you are vaccinated it will help you prevent genital wrinkles. This vaccine is recommended for people between the ages of 9 and 45.

However, there are those who recommend the application of the vaccine preferably before the age of 12, so that protection against this STD is achieved before starting to have an active sexual life. This minimizes the chances of contagion.

Use the condom

Beyond the vaccine, the recommendation to be protected against genital warts and HPV is to choose to use a condom. This is the only contraceptive method that reduces the risk of HPV infection, both in oral and vaginal intercourse.

Also, you should keep in mind that not only will it protect you from genital warts, but the condom will help you to be prevented from other sexual diseases, some of them much more serious, such as HIV.

For this reason, it should be used in every sexual relationship and during the entire encounter. In this way you can enjoy greater security.