Genital Warts

Condylomas signal the advent of a viral infection caused by the Human Papilloma Virus.This is a family of viruses which can cause infections of the skin. Most strains of the virus have an affinity for the genital skin layers and they cause the formation of warts in the genital area. The infection can be latent for a very long time, and may show symptoms after three months of the infecting sexual contact. In this period you are still able to transmit the infection with out even knowing that you are harbouring it. This makes the infection highly contagious.

The condylomas are transmitted by sexual contact and there are many risk factors that increase the risk of contracting them significantly. Having sex with strangers is a risk factor that connot be underestimated. Unprotected sex is one of the most important risk factors for the spread of the infection. Using a barrier contraceptive like a condom or diaphragm goes a long way in reducing the incidence of condylomas.

There are other risk factors which increase the chances of contrating condylomas. If you became sexually active at a young age, the chances of getting infected are higher. Beware of sex with persons who have a past history of a sexually transmitted disease. The presence of an STD increase the chances of transmission of genital warts. If the warts are present around the genital area, you mught get infected if you come in contact with them. You may not be aware of an infection until you are pregnant. Medical literaturre proves that latent infections often surface during pregnancy and tend to have more secere symptoms at such times.

If you have condylomas, getting a doctor’s advice is the wisest course of action. Do not try to remove the warts on your own as theya re highly infectious. You may make the infection worse and transmit it by hands if you try to pull them out yourself. You must also not get carried away by internet advertisements and over the counter preparations for removing genital warts. They can be harmful to you. Many of these lotions and creams are known to cause irritation and burning on and around the condylomas. This may make the condition worse.

Depending on your condition and your past history of STD you will be advised medical or surgical removal of the condylomas. The creams available on a docotr’s prescrition will remove the warts. They cannot eliminate the infection completely though. The creams will remove the wart tissue when they are applied on the warts. Application requires care and you might have to visit the clinic for the initial applications of some preparations like tricholoroacetic acid. Other creams boost the local immunity and offer protection agains tthe virus. SOme of the preparations available are aldara, podofin and efudex.

There is a vaccine available for women for protection against condylomas. Gardasil, the vaccine gives you protection against the two commonest strains of the virus . It is a good idea to get yourself vaccinated if you are in the first or second decade of your life. This will protect you against the longterm consequences of the infection like cervical cancer as well.

Karl Dorads - GenitalWartsSite.com