Growths and bumps developed through sexual contact are known as genital warts or venereal warts. It is normally contracted from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from certain kinds of the human papilloma virus (HPV). Genital warts are highly infectious and can be transmitted through direct skin contact with someone who is infected. The warts are very clear signs of HPV infection. As they are sexually transmitted hence one should get checked in detail. Mothers can infect their babies through natural delivery of the vagina and therefore an infected mother should consider alternative ways of delivery.
Genital warts often appear in small groups, such as a cluster and can emerge in tiny crowds or large groups in the penis or genital areas for men. They are visible on the tip or the shaft of the penis, the scrotum or around the anus. For the fairer gender, these warts can occur in the interior or the exterior of the vagina, on the cervix, uterus or around the anus. They are however more common in men, although the symptoms are less obvious. In rare cases, these warts can appear in the throat or the mouth of a person who had oral sex with a person who has this disease.
When visible, the warts can be big, small or flat and generally they are nude in color and painless. Warts that are small and flat are not noticeable immediately and warts can take time to show their symptoms. Symptoms may or may not show, depending on the immunity system of the person infected with HPV virus.
The viral elements can access into the skin through microscopic abrasions during sexual activity. When our cells are raided by HPV, a quiet phase from months to years will take place where no symptoms take place. However, when symptoms do not show, HPV infection is still real and transmittable. A tiny percentage of people infected with HPV will only develop genital warts. Some ‘carriers’ of this disease, who do not have these warts, may still be able to transmit this disease to their partners.
In females, the virus can lead to changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer, so it’s important that it is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Males infected with HPV can also be at risk for cancer of the penis and the anus.
An approved vaccine, Gardasil can prevent HPV and is available in Singapore, sold per dosage, for females aged 9 to 26. However, this vaccine is not effective on those who are already infected with the disease and does not protect all types of HPV. Hence, it is important one gets a routine check up with their genealogist annually to monitor one’s health. The best way to minimize the risk of HPV is to abstain from having sexual multiple sex partners and using condoms.
There is no cure for HPV. While the gential warts may be treated, it may not necessarily rid the body of the virus. Apart from medications like podophyllin and aldara cream, other more aggressive forms of genital warts treatment may include Cryosurgery and Laser Therapy. Hospitals in Singapore can perform this operation, depending on the severity of genital warts.
That being said, it is best to educate people to refrain from engaging in raw sex as there are so many sexually transmitted diseases that are not curable. Knowing your sexual partner well before engaging in sexual activities should be done first. Getting HPV is such an inconvenience for anyone. In addition to that, a person will never know if he has other kinds of STDs.
Going to a respected genealogist for HPV and HIV check-up quarterly or every three months is recommended if a person has an active sex lifestyle.
