Genital warts are usually found around or on the penis or vagina. They are pink or red growths found around the genital areas. They can be spread to other parts of the body as well as other people by contact with the infected places. Genital warts vary in size from barely noticeable to the size of large pimples. They often appear in groups of three or four and may grow and spread rapidly. Sometimes mild pain, itching, and bleeding can occur.

Genital warts are caused by a virus that is called HPV. This is also know as Human Papilloma Virus. This virus is a sexually transmitted disease. If you find out that you have HPV do not be too upset. Over half of middle-aged America has some evidence of being infected.  In most cases genital warts will go away on their own, but as there is no cure for HPV they could come back. Usually people that are infected wait to see if they spread or go away on their own. If they spread then there are many treatments options to get rid of genital warts.

As long as genital warts are present you should not have sex. If you do you should always wear a codom. Warts can easily be passed on when they are present. They are consider contagious when they are present. Some warts can be passed on even if you wear a condom. You are taking a risk either way. You just want to take every step there is to take when having safe sex and portecting the person you are with, because you do not want to give something to anyone.

Certain types of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, vulvular cancer, and cancer of the penis. Though rare, if you are a woman then a simple Pap test will detect any abnormal cervical cells. If you believe or know that you have genital warts it’s a good idea to see your doctor for regular checkups so any abnormal growths can be treated early.

There are a few ways to get rid of them depending on how you want to go about doing so. Regardless of which method you choose, you MUST see your doctor first. Ask your doctor to prescribe you a topical medication to take home so you don’t have to feel awkward having a stranger perform the application.

These are the different types of ways to get rid of warts. There is cryothreapy, it is where they are frozen off. Then you have electrocautery. This is where they are burned off with electricity. Then there is laser surgery. This is where they are burned off with a high-intensity laser. And finally we have surgical excision. This is where they are cut out. These all can be very painful. They will give you something for the pain. All of these procedures can leave scars, and may be very painful depending on the warts location so choose carefully.

One of the beliefs associated with pregnancy and genital warts is that they are possibly linked to pregnancy. Is there a likely connection? Pregnant women that are infected with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and suffering from genital warts often run a high risk of transmitting this extremely contagious disease to the child. It is therefore highly advisable to treat the genital warts before the baby is delivered. The presence of genital warts during pregnancy sometimes leads to a number of issues.

The warts often increase in size and can make urinating difficult and even painful. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause genital warts to multiply in number, enlarge and even bleed. Genital warts are surprisingly common among men and women. But the reasons behind their onset are still open to speculation. In such cases, it is advisable to seek the help of a health care provider who can provide relief.

An abnormal Pap test may indicate the presence of HPV. Genital warts and pregnancy don’t mix well. Seek expert medical diagnosis and advice if this is the case. Genital warts and pregnancy can pose other risks as well. This is because the body’s immune system gets weaker during an HPV infection which makes you more vulnerable to viruses and infections. If the warts are inside the vaginal passage, they reduce the elasticity of the vagina and may cause obstruction. This can make delivery difficult.

Most pregnant women carrying the HPV infection usually do not pass it on to their babies. However, in some rare cases, mothers infected with genital warts may give birth to infants who develop warts in their throats, a condition also known as laryngeal papillomatosis. Although very rare, it poses a great risk to the newborn, requiring immediate medical attention and frequent laser surgeries to prevent blockage of the breathing passages. The use of interferon therapy along with laser surgery often slows down the course of the disease.

It is strongly advised that you abstain from sex with a partner who has HPV. The infection spreads primarily through contact. If abstinence is difficult, be choosy about your partner and avoid having multiple partners. This minimizes the chances of contracting the disease and safeguards the pregnant mother as well. Although condoms offer a modest degree of protection against the infection, they are not foolproof.

Whether you are pregnant or not, genital warts isn’t a fun condition to have. Don’t do anything that might spread the infection. Do seek medical help as soon as possible. Pregnant mothers need to be more alert. You owe it to your unborn child.