What Are the Common Genital Warts Symptoms?

If you believe you may have some of the genital warts symptoms, then it’s time to see your physician for a proper diagnosis. This will ensure that your treatment is started in a timely manner. If you are wondering what are the symptoms of genital warts, then read on. There are several symptoms of genital warts, but the obvious one is the presence of lesions on or around the rectal, penile, vaginal areas, and sometimes in and around the mouth and throat.

The Symptoms of Genital Warts

The most obvious symptom is the cauliflower shaped lesions. These may vary in size from exceptionally small to large and obtrusive. The warts are white or flesh-colored and may appear in clusters or singularly. They may be raised up or lie flat. These warts may appear in the rectal, penile, or vaginal area. There are also reports of these lesions in the mouth and throat as a result of oral sex with an infected partner.

Other genital wart symptoms may include itching, especially if there are warts around the anal region. In some cases, there may be a problem with urination if the lesions are in or around the urethra. In women, the warts may be present on the cervix and this may cause vaginal bleeding and discharge.

Is There a Cure for Genital Warts?

There is no cure for genital warts. The only treatments that are available are those designed to get rid of the warts or reduce the size and appearance of the lesions. However, there is no guarantee that these warts will not return. The cause of genital warts is the human papilloma virus, or HPV. This virus has over 100 strains and some of these strains are responsible for cervical cancer in women. The latest vaccines against cervical cancer may give researchers the answers for a cure for genital warts, but as of right now, there is no cure.

What Treatments Are Available? 

There are a number of creams and lotions available. Some are only available by prescription from your doctor; others are available over the counter. Do not expect overnight results. These creams and lotions must be applied daily and it can take up to three months for you to begin to see a reduction in the size of the lesions.

Your doctor may suggest having the lesions burned or frozen off. These treatments are effective, but there is a risk of damaging the tissue around the wart. These are also expensive treatments, but should be covered by most insurance plans.

There are several over-the-counter treatments available, but you should use some caution and do some research. Some of these treatments are nothing more than a regular lotion that will have no effect on the wart at all. However, there are several that have shown promising results in reducing the size of the wart.

In Closing 

You must consider your sexual partner’s health if you have been diagnosed with or believe you have genital warts symptoms. Abstinence is the only way to guarantee that this disease will not be transmitted to anyone. However, your doctor can give you some tips to help keep an uninfected partner from contracting the disease.

Genital Warts Symptoms? Tip #1

A prompt diagnosis is important, not only for treatment, but to prevent infecting someone else with the disease. Most symptoms of genital warts do not appear for several weeks to up to three months after exposure.

Genital Warts Symptoms Tip #2

Don’t try using a liquid nitrogen over-the-counter treatment at home. This type of treatment has serious risk of tissue damage to the skin around the lesion. This is one treatment that should be left to your doctor.

Genital Warts Symptoms? Tip #3

While this is an embarrassing condition, it is not life threatening. Don’t focus on the disease itself, but focus on treatment options and prevention.