Male Genital Warts

What You Should Do if You Have Male Genital Warts

While you may be very embarrassed and probably a little nervous, you need to know that male genital warts are not life threatening. It’s a condition that affects at least one percent of the male population in the United States at any given time. There are as many as one million people diagnosed each year. It’s a sexually transmitted disease and as of right now, there is no cure.

If you have genital warts, you should see a physician. Not only will you receive a definitive diagnosis, but you will also learn about treatment options that may help. There is a lot of information on the internet about possible over-the-counter treatments and medications. Some of these are effective at reducing the appearance of genital warts. Others are not. By staying informed about your options, you will be able to make the right decision for your body.

What Causes Male Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. There are over 30 strains of this virus that can cause genital warts; however, many people are much more aware of this virus nowadays due to cervical cancer. There has been a lot in the news lately about a vaccine that will prevent cervical cancer in women that is caused by HPV. Unfortunately, at this time there is no vaccine for male genital warts. Some experts suggest that 50% of all sexually active people in the United States have HPV.

What Are the Symptoms of Male Genital Warts?

Genital warts appear as flat or raised lesions. They can be found on the genital and anal areas. In some cases, they may also be present in the mouth and throat. These lesions are usually grey or white in color. There may only one wart or there could be dozens. These lesions are usually not painful, but they can grow quite large on some people.

How Are Male Genital Warts Spread?

Since genital warts is considered a sexually transmitted disease, it makes sense that it is spread through sexual contact. This may be through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. While there are some treatment options available that can remove the warts, it is still possible to pass this disease onto someone else. Abstinence is the only guarantee of not spreading the disease.

What Treatments Are Available for Male Genital Warts? 

Your doctor will discuss several treatment options with you. There are a couple of creams and lotions that they may prescribe. However, these can take months of daily application in order to see results. There are other options too, such as freezing off the warts or laser surgery. These are obviously procedures that need to be done in a physician’s officer or outpatient surgery. Most health insurance plans will cover these treatments.

What You Need to Do if You Have Genital Warts

You need to see a physician for the correct diagnosis. You need to discuss your treatment options. You also need to do everything you can to prevent spreading the disease to someone else. Male genital warts can be controlled and they can be removed with the right treatments.

Male Genital Warts Tip #1

Many of the over-the-counter treatments, such as lotions and creams, take several months in order to see results. If you decide this type of treatment is right for you, then make sure you are patient while waiting for results.

Male Genital Warts Tip #2

If the warts appear to be growing very large and very quickly, then you need to have a physician remove them. In some cases, the lesions may grow to a size that starts to cause problems with urination.

Male Genital Warts Tip #3

Genital warts may return even after they are removed. It may take several courses of treatment to make them go away for long periods of time. Patience is definitely the key in getting rid of male genital warts.