Are Genital Warts Curable?
Genital warts are a symptom of the HPV virus and are passed on from person to person by touching your genitals with another person’s genitals who is currently a carrier of the virus. This means that genital warts can be caused even if you wear a condom during sex, as the condom does not cover the whole of the genitalia. So can they be cured? In this article we discuss what genital warts are, the symptoms of genital warts if they can be cured, and potential treatments. Read on to learn more.
Are Genital Warts Curable? Genital warts cannot be cured but they can be treated. Genital warts are a symptom of the HPV virus, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. The HPV virus is generally curable over a period of time, and its various symptoms, such as genital warts, are treatable, making the condition manageable and relatively easy to live with whilst the HPV virus clears.
Read on to find out more about genital warts, the symptoms that might occur and how they can be treated.
Can Genital Warts be Cured?
Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus, which, in most cases, is cured naturally within two years without treatment. Genital warts are a symptom of the HPV virus and although they are not curable they are treatable with creams, surgery, or freezing treatments. If you have, or suspect that you have genital warts, consult your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic for further advice and treatment.
What are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are small sores around your genital area that may be painful or irritating. The sores are often described as cauliflower-shaped and may appear pink, red, or flesh-coloured.
What Are The Symptoms of Genital Warts
Whilst genital warts are a symptom of another condition, they do have various symptoms, including:
- Small lumps and bumps, pink or flesh-coloured, growing in the genital area
- Multiple warts growing near each other are often described as cauliflower-shaped
- Itching and discomfort in the genital area
- Bleeding during or after sex
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
Whilst genital warts generally present as above, they can sometimes be small, flat, and almost invisible. On the other hand, they can also present in larger clusters in those with suppressed immune systems.
What Are the Treatments for Genital Warts?
Genital warts can go away on their own over time, but you may wish to treat the painful and irritating symptoms of warts. One of the most common treatments for genital warts are topical creams and liquids to alleviate pain and irritation. However in more severe cases, your doctor may recommend one of the following:
- Burning off warts with electrical currents
- Freezing warts with cryosurgery
- Excision
- Use of the drug Interferon
Genital warts cannot be treated with over-the-counter generic wart treatments. These are intended for other areas of the body, and for other strains of the HPV virus. They are usually stronger than treatments for genital warts and may do more harm than good.
How Can I Help Prevent The Spread of Genital Warts?
It’s important to help prevent the spread of genital warts to both other people and onto other parts of your body. These are just some of the steps you can take to help ensure this:
- Ensure that your genital area is both clean and dry and use a non-perfumed soap. This will help prevent genital warts from drying out and becoming itchy.
- After touching your genital area make sure to thoroughly wash your hands.
- Avoid engaging in sexual activity until warts have completely healed.
Can Genital Warts Come Back?
If a person whose body has cleared HPV later contracts a different strain of the virus, it is possible for genital warts to come back. It is also possible for genital warts to lay dormant for a period of time, only to flare up again at a later date.
Sexual Health Testing with Your Sexual Health
Regular sexual health screening is vital to help stop the transmission of STDs if you are sexually active. It is recommended to be tested for STDs before and after engaging with a new sexual partner.
Your Sexual Health offers a wide range of STD tests at private sexual health clinics across the UK, as well as offering instant testing and home testing kits. If you’re unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch with one of our friendly advisors who will be happy to assist you.
