Genital warts are one of the most unwelcome visitors to our nether regions. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can cause physical discomfort and emotional stress. They are a well known STI but many people aren’t completely sure of all the ins, outs, and important information they should be aware of when it comes to dealing with genital warts.
Here at Broadgate GP, we offer a private sexual health clinic and provide a range of STI testing services from qualified healthcare professionals. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about genital warts so you can keep yourself safe and understand your options when it comes to the infection.
What are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are small, flesh-coloured bumps that can appear in the genital area. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are typically transmitted through sexual contact. These bumps can appear on the penis, scrotum, vagina, or anus, and may cause physical discomfort, such as itching or burning.
In addition to physical discomfort, genital warts can also cause emotional distress. The stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and anxiety. It’s important to note that even if there are no visible warts, the virus that causes them can still be present and transmitted from one person to another through sexual activity. Therefore, it’s essential to practise safe sex and get regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to prevent the spread of genital warts and other sexually transmitted infections.
Are Genital Warts Curable?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the virus that causes genital warts. However, there are various treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
These treatment options aim to remove visible warts and decrease the likelihood of them reappearing. For instance, topical medications such as imiquimod, podophyllin, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be applied directly to the affected area to destroy the warts. Cryotherapy involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, while surgery may be necessary in some cases to remove the warts. Another treatment option is interferon, which is a medication that can be injected directly into the warts to stimulate the immune system to attack them.
Although these treatments can be effective in removing visible warts and managing symptoms, it’s important to note that the virus may still be present in the body even after treatment. Therefore, it’s crucial to continue regular check-ups with a healthcare provider and practise safe sex to minimise the risk of transmission to others, which includes communicating with your partner about your condition.
Treatment Options for Genital Warts:
While there is no known cure for HPV, there are several treatment options available to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Some of the most common treatment options available for genital warts includes:
Topical Medications: Topical medications are a common treatment option for genital warts. These medications are applied directly to the warts and work by destroying the cells of the warts. Some of the most common topical medications include imiquimod, podophyllin, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is another treatment option for genital warts. This procedure involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, which causes the warts to die and fall off. This treatment can be effective in removing visible warts and may be recommended for larger or stubborn warts.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove genital warts. This can involve cutting the warts off or using laser surgery to remove them. Surgery is typically reserved for larger warts that are not responding to other treatments.
Interferon: Interferon is a medication that can be injected directly into the warts. It works by stimulating the immune system to attack the warts. While this treatment is less commonly used than other options, it may be recommended for certain individuals with recurring or difficult-to-treat warts.
Can Genital Warts Recur?
It’s important to note that even after successful treatment, genital warts can make a comeback. This is because the virus that causes the warts can remain in the body even after the visible warts are removed. Therefore, it’s essential to continue regular checkups with a healthcare provider and to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
Practising safe sex, such as using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners, can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with genital warts or HPV, it’s important to inform your sexual partners so that they can take necessary precautions and seek medical attention if needed.
Contact Broadgate GP for more information!
If you would like to know more, or to make an appointment to be checked out by our healthcare professionals, make sure you choose Broadgate GP! We have been offering our services from our Central London clinic for many years now, and since we’re only a phone call away there’s no better reason to reach out to us today!
