Genital Warts

The Condyloma acuminta--- more commonly known as genital warts--- is a communicable, venereal, and viral disease, which is transmitted through sex. This infectious ailment causes scabrous and small lumps to grow on the genitals of a person. These lumps may appear in group or scattered on vagina's internal and external part, on the tip of and around the penis, on the anus' and the anal ring's external areas, and in some cases around the mouth. The mouth are sometimes affected through oral sex.

Causes/Risk Factors
The main cause of genital warts is the Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most prevalent transmitter of sexual diseases. Genital warts is only an HPV's sign, thus, not all those who have the HPV have genital warts. In some instances, others do not even know they have it because of the absence of symptoms. There are over 200 kinds of HPVs and less than half of it can be transmitted sexually.

Aside from sexual intercourse, another way to transmit the HPV is by childbirth. Since genital warts get transmitted through direct skin contact, it is possible that a mother who is afflicted by the disease can pass it on her baby. Clothing and bedding are also risk factors of genital warts, so it's important not to share them with people who suffer from this disease.

Genital Warts Symptoms
The lumps may grow on other parts of the body close to the sexual organs, too. They are sometimes slightly wet and their color may resemble the color of the skin or may be pale black. These lumps may even physically deform the part of the sexual organ where they are severely concentrated. Contrary to what others believe, the lumps appear long after the virus has been acquired. For this reason, infected people--- most especially those that are sexually active with multiple partners--- have already transmitted the disease even before they realize they have it.

Genital Warts Treatment
The Human papillomavirus normally dies out even with the absence of remedy. This is because the human body has its own defense system against this kind of virus. However, it takes a bit longer--- sometimes, even more than a year--- for the body to completely fight off this infection. In cases when a person wants to speed up the treatment of genital warts, doctors suggest several solutions, which include liquid medications for external application, antiviral medicines for oral intake, and light surgery. However, these solutions do not guarantee immediate virus eradication. In most cases, only the warts are treated, meaning the virus still remains. For this reason, genital warts can repeatedly appear for as long as there is a virus.

The good news is that a genital warts patient can do a number of simple steps to speed up the healing process. He should observe proper hygiene and keep the infected area comfortable. He should not scratch the lumps to avoid irritation and bleeding. Since the virus is acquired through sex, the other sexual partner should also undergo treatment. However, there are some cases wherein the symptoms appear only to one partner but not to the other. Despite this, health experts still advise that both partners should undergo treatment. It is very important not to ignore genital warts because they may cause more serious health problems like cancer.

It is important to know that stress, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise weaken the human's immune system. Since the HPV can only be cured by the antibodies in one's immune system, weakening it is equivalent to a longer genital warts treatment.

Prevention
The best prevention is to practice safe sex; hence, one must use condoms. It is also advised to avoid having multiple sexual partners. The truth is that the risk of viral transmittal is higher for those who are already sexually active at a very young age and for those who have more than one sexual partner. Regular check-ups and consultation with the doctor also helps prevent infection.