What is Genital Warts

Most people would be alarmed if they found bumps on their genitals. For some these lumps and bumps may not mean anything. Others will be diagnosed with the sexually transmitted infection genital warts. People who suspect they have this condition should see their doctor straight away.

Genital warts are caused by a strain of the HPV virus. This is the same virus that causes warts on other parts of the body. Most people get this infection through sexual intercourse. While condoms will reduce the risk of getting this virus, it can still be contracted during protected sex.

Most people will have warts appear between two to four weeks of having sex with an infected person. However it is important to note that not everybody will experience symptoms. Some people carry the virus around for years and never get warts. This is because warts only come up when the immune system is low.

Genital warts are not as large and unattractive as people imagine them to be. They are small lumps and bumps on the skin. Some of these bumps are hardly noticeable. As everybody gets blocked pores and pimples sufferers should be aware that having bumps on their genitals does not mean they have genital warts. In very severe cases the warts can have a cauliflower-like appearance. However this is very rare.

Anyone who has bumps in these areas should check if they are painful. Warts should be painless. People who have sore, fluid-filled bumps may have genital herpes.

The best way to determine if one has this infection or not is to see a doctor. The lumps could be a simple skin condition. They may also be a symptom of another illness. Visiting a doctor is the only way to rule this out. While seeing a doctor is embarrassing, it is worth the effort. Doctors will be able to diagnose and treat the warts.

Once a diagnosis of genital warts has been confirmed, sufferers will have two choices available to them. One option is to leave the warts alone. They will eventually go away on their own. Usually this takes about a year to happen. Those who want a quicker solution will need to apply a treatment to the area. There are numerous treatments out there. The doctor will be able to recommend one that their patients have had success with. Severe cases may need laser treatment or surgery.