How to Decide Which Treatment for Genital Warts Is Right for You

If you suffer from genital warts, you can take some comfort knowing you are not alone. With two million people diagnosed each year with this sexually transmitted disease, it’s quite easy to see what a problem this is. For those that suffer from this condition, it can be very embarrassing and frustrating. Since there is no cure, a treatment for genital warts is necessary to ease your symptoms.

There Are Treatment Options

As of right now, there is no cure for the Human Papilloma Virus or (HPV). It’s what causes genital warts and several other problems as well. However, there are treatment options available to reduce the symptoms and make this condition more bearable. Some treatments are available at your doctor’s office, while others are available over the counter. It’s best to see your doctor for diagnosis before you start a treatment for genital warts.

Cryotherapy

This is one treatment option that should be performed by a physician. While there are products available at your local drugstore to freeze off genital warts, you can severely damage the skin and tissue around the wart if you’re not careful. If you do decide to use these products, use caution and read the instruction carefully. It is a very effective treatment for genital warts; however, it uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts off.

Creams and Lotions

There are several creams and lotions available that may help reduce the size of the lesions. Some products, such as Podofilox or Imiquimod require a doctor’s prescription. It’s important to remember that many of the creams available over the counter for the treatment of regular warts on other parts of your body are not to be used as a treatment for genital warts. The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are not the same as those that cause warts on your feet or hands.

Most creams or lotions require application at least three times a week for 8-10 weeks. These are very effective at treating the cauliflower shaped, larger genital warts that otherwise may require cryotherapy.

Surgical Treatments

Your doctor may be able to remove some of the larger, hard to remove warts with laser surgery. This is an effective treatment for genital warts, but it is also one of the most expensive. It’s important to remember that no treatment for genital warts will cure this disease. It’s very possible that the warts will return again, even after any of the above treatments.

Prevention Is Key

Prevention is very important. If you suffer from genital warts, you must notify your sexual partners. It’s the responsible thing to do. Do not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex with anyone who has genital warts. Abstinence is the only completely effective means of prevention. However, you can speak with your doctor to see what they recommend.

There are now vaccines available for women to protect them against many different strains of HPV. However, there is also a vaccine in the works for men, as well. While there needs to be more research done to see if this vaccine will prevent genital warts, the early signs are promising. Speak with your doctor to see if this vaccine is right for you.

Treatment for Genital Warts Tip #1

There are hundreds of products available today that promise to cure genital warts. Since there is no cure at this time, it’s best to avoid these creams and lotions and stick with the ones that promise to relieve many of the symptoms.

Treatment for Genital Warts Tip #2

If you do not feel comfortable using a prescription medication, then ask your doctor about possible herbal treatment options. He or she may be able to recommend a few all natural, herbal remedies to reduce the symptoms.

Treatment for Genital Warts Tip #3

It’s best to see a doctor as soon as you experience any symptoms. There are several treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease and get you some relief from the symptoms.