One of the most widespread of all sexually transmitted infections, genital warts affect approximately 32 million people worldwide every year. Some estimates claim that almost 50% of all sexually active people will at some point in their lives be infected with the virus.
Genital warts (or Condylomata acuminata, venereal warts, anal warts and anogenital warts) affect the moist tissues in
the genital areas causing symptoms such as itching, pain, a burning sensation and bleeding during intercourse. They tend to look similar to cauliflowers or may look like small fleshy bumps. At times the warts are too small to be visible to the naked eye.
The infection is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), similar to those that cause warts elsewhere in the body, but of a different strain. Some strains of the virus may even cause cancer.
Genital warts can recur at any time. The stigma attached to them can take a heavy psychological toll on an infected person. Feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anger and lowered self-esteem are common and can lead to people shunning treatment because of the stigma attached to it.
The infection is contagious and the warts can spread on a person as well as to other people, posing serious health risks. There are different types of treatment available, but they can only help to lessen the symptoms and even get rid of the lesions. However, there is no cure and the warts may recur at any time.
symptoms of Genital Warts
Genital warts can look like flesh colored spots that may either be flat or raised. They may also have a cauliflower-like appearance. At times they may be too tiny to be visible to the naked eye.
In women, genital warts may develop in the following places:
Inside the vagina
In the area around the vagina
In the anus
In the area around the anus
In the cervical area
In males, genital warts may appear in the following places:
On the penis
On or around the scrotum
In the groin area
On the thighs
Inside the anus
In the area around the anus
At times, the warts may also occur in other regions of the body such as the:
Lips
Mouth
Tongue
Throat
Some of the other symptoms associated with genital warts include:
Itching and burning sensation
Increased dampness around the genitals
Increased vaginal discharge
Bleeding from the vagina during or after sexual intercourse
Causes of Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by HPV or the human papilloma virus, of which there are over seventy different strains. Certain strains of the virus may cause changes in the cervical structure that may lead to cervical or anal cancer. These strains are known as the high-risk strains. Certain strains cause warts to develop on other areas of the body. Almost 90% of all genital warts are caused by either the HPV6 strain or the HPV11 strain. These two strains are also associated with warts in the lips, mouth, throat and nose.
HPV can spread from one individual to another via sexual contact. Any kind of sexual contact, be it oral, vaginal or anal sex can transmit the virus. The warts may appear many months after infection and may remain unnoticed for years.
You run a higher risk of getting and spreading genital warts if you:
Are in sexual relationships with multiple partners
Have been sexually active from an early age
Have unprotected sex
Are a smoker and drink alcohol
Have another infection caused by a virus like herpes
Have any disease or are on medications that weaken your immune system
Are pregnant
Remedies for Genital Warts
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for genital warts. Treatment usually involves providing symptomatic and cosmetic relief. If the warts are not causing you any kind of discomfort then you may not require treatment. If you suffer from any of the more severe symptoms such as a painful or burning sensation then your health care provider may prescribe you certain medications. Surgery can also be used for the removal of genital warts, but no matter what the treatment, the warts can recur at a later date.
Some of the medications that your doctor may prescribe include:
Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara): This ointment can help boost your immune system
Podophyllin and Podofilox (Condylox): An ointment that contains plant compounds which can destroy genital wart tissue
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): This chemical can burn off genital warts.
Avoid non-prescription wart removers as these could further irritate the moist areas where genital warts usually occur.
Surgical removal is usually used in the case of larger warts or those that do not respond to medication. There are different surgical procedures available which include:
Cryotherapy: The warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen and removed
Electro-Cautery: The warts are cauterized with an electric current
Surgical Excision: The warts are removed surgically under local anesthesia
Laser Treatment: The warts are cut off using a laser beam
Since there is no guarantee that any of these procedures will prevent a recurrence of the genital warts, many people seek out alternative treatments using herbal extracts. The efficacy of such remedies remains unproven however, so it would be best to seek medical advice. Some commonly used natural remedies for genital warts include:
Vitamin E Oil: Apply vitamin E oil and crushed garlic on the infected areas and cover with a bandage. You should change the dressing two to three times a day and the wart should fall off after about a week.
Onion Juice: Chop some onions and marinate them in salt overnight. Juice the marinated onions and apply it on the affected area. This may cause some burning around the area of the warts but it should halt the spread of the infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar: being acidic, apple cider vinegar will help to remove the infected cells. Soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart. Wrap a bandage or apply adhesive tape over the cotton swab. This will help to remove the genital warts.
Consult your doctor before trying any of these natural remedies as they may not be suitable for you. These treatments take time so remember, be patient.
The prognosis for people infected with the HPV virus differs from person to person. Many women who are sexually active contract HPV, which then disappears on its own.
Many men who get infected never experience any symptoms but can act as carriers, passing on the virus to their sexual partners.
You can still infect your partner after receiving treatment for genital warts.
Diet for Genital Warts
Foods that are beneficial for those with genital warts include:
Garlic: It contains allicin which has antimicrobial properties and may help to check the spread of the infection.
Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant can help to boost your body’s immune system and help it to fight off the virus. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. These foods should be eaten raw or steamed to preserve their vitamin C content.
Vitamin B12: It may prevent the virus from replicating. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include meat, eggs, milk, seeds and legumes.
Olives and Olive Oil:They contain compounds that have antimicrobial properties which may help to fight the infection.
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