Genital Wart Removal – What Are My Options?

If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from genital warts, genital wart removal is something you need to explore. Like most warts, the genital wart is not only ugly to behold, it is located in the most inconvenient places, and all too often is a source of embarrassment, discomfort, and pain.

What could be worse than preparing for a romantic evening with your loved one, only to discover that you have developed one of these hideous growths in your most intimate parts?

There are various genital wart removal methods.

Some are costly, cumbersome or painful; others cheap, easy, and pain-free. We’ll give you some options to explore so that you can decide for yourself which method or treatment is best for you.

First, you need to make sure that if you are going to treat a wart it is indeed a wart and not some other type of skin disorder. Warts are small masses of bumpy, cauliflower-like thickened skin. These growths or benign tumors are triggered by any of the human papillomavirus (hpv) family of viruses. They can appear just about anywhere on the human body

Specifically, genital warts (i.e., condylomata acuminate), also known as venereal warts, are warts that develop in the genitals or surrounding areas. Warts on penis and vagina warts are the most common types of genital wart. But they can also appear in the anal, rectal and perineal areas, upper thighs, scrotum, cervix, and even the mouth or throat (as a result  of oral sex).

These growths look like regular warts, but appear only in specific areas of the body. (If you’d like more information about warts in general, see How to Remove Warts and Enjoy Wart-Free Skin.)

Warts, by and large, do not imperil one’s health.

But genital warts can cause a burning sensation, pain, and even bleeding, especially inside the vagina. Genital wart removal options should strongly be considered when any of these conditions arise.

Women should be especially attuned to the possibility of having genital warts on the cervix. These may be symptom-free and detectable only by microscope, but they can pose a risk for developing cervical cancer. Regular screening for cervical cancer is recommended for women.

Are warts contagious? Clearly, all warts, including genital warts, are contagious because they are induced by a virus.  Genital warts are sexually transmitted. That is, an infected individual can pass along the hpv virus to his or her partner by skin to skin contact (not through bodily fluids) when engaging in genital, anal, or oral sex.

This happens more often than we would think, as this type of hpv virus very often is asymptomatic, meaning that people often fail to realize they have it. To illustrate how pervasive the genital form of hpv virus is, consider that of the more than  100 types of hpv viruses, roughly 30 are transmitted sexually, causing genital hpv.

If warts do develop, genital wart removal options are available. Removal of the genital wart does not remove the hpv virus, leaving the possibility that genital warts may reappear. However, wart removal will always lead to an increased quality of life and comfort and often warts do not reappear.

A good understanding and awareness of this skin disorder can help to prevent infection. Proper precautions and putting into practice basic good skin care will help reduce the possibility of hpv viruses entering the body and spreading. Of course, healthy skin will always be better at fighting off viruses than damaged skin.

For sexually active people, genital warts should be treated as soon as possible to avoid infecting others.

Here are some genital wart removal tips and options for you to consider:

• Podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox) solution – doctor applies to destroy genital wart tissue.
  
  
• Podofilox topical solution –can be applied externally at home after receiving guidance from doctor; contains same active compound as Podophyllin.
  
  
• Genital wart cream – apply Imiquimod (Aldara) to boost immune system. Not to be used during sexual activity.
  
  
• Chemical treatment – doctor applies lactic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid to break down the infected skin, causing it to peel off.
  
  
• Cryotherapy – doctor uses liquid nitrogen to form blister around wart; new skin appears when lesions slough off.
  
  
• Electrocautery – doctor burns off genital wart using an electrical current.
  
  
• Excision – doctor numbs area with local anesthetic, then cuts out the wart using a scalpel or curette (sharp-edged spoon-like instrument).
  
  
• Laser surgery – doctor uses high intensity beam of light to destroy especially stubborn warts.
  
  
• Natural treatments - Healing Natural Oils Genital Warts Treatment.
  

Genital warts are usually harmless, but they can be embarrassingly ugly, inconvenient, uncomfortable, and painful. They are also contagious and not the kind of gift your lover wants to receive from you. As you can see, there are several genital wart removal methods and treatments. Be aware that these treatments may not always be covered by your health insurance plan.