Understanding Genital Warts

Genital warts are among the most common STD (sexually transmitted disease). They are a type of benign tumors caused by HPV (human papilloma virus) and over 60 various types have been identified so far.

The virus associated with the disease penetrates the body through small tears in the skin when skin to skin contact is made with an infected person. This usually occurs while intercourse with an infected individual. The primary carrier could be a male or female, as instances of HPV in women is as common as it is in men.

Once the virus lodges itself in the hosts body it remains dormant in the cells. It can take several weeks or months before the genital warts begin appearing. Individuals with a strong body defense mechanism can ward off the virus attack; keeping it dormant forever.

It has been medically established that carriers of the HPV virus generally do not show any visible signs of being infected. Lack of visible warts is not a sure sign of identifying whether your sexual partner is infected or not.

HPV in men show the same symptoms as infected women. The active virus encourages overgrowth of skin cells, resulting in the formation of warts. There is no particular pattern for these warts; they grow in varied shapes and sizes, from single large growths to tiny, multiple growths. Some warts can grow to the size of a lemon and be itchy, particularly when a woman is pregnant.

There are a number of techniques used for treating genital warts. If the wart is large it can be surgically removed. There are a number of non-surgically procedures available that can be used for destroying the warts. Some of the methods include age old practices using natural medicine and have been around for some time. They are as effective in treating warts as modern day medicine.

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