Genital Warts - 7 Established Facts About Genital Warts

Here are seven established facts about genital warts

1. Genital warts are highly contagious.

Genital warts spread easily from one person to another through sexual intercourse. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for genital warts, is able to penetrate one's skin and mucosal surfaces through the tiny abrasions in the genital area that develop during sexual intercourse.

2. Genital warts are incurable.

Once you catch HPV, you can never eliminate it from your body. You can treat it and remove the genital warts, but it remains dormant in your system. Thus, genital warts can show up again.

3. Genital warts may resurface.

HPV can lie dormant in your body. It can resurface when triggered by risk factors like smoking, stress, excessive consumption of alcohol, immune system deficiencies, and lifestyle changes, among others. In fact, a lot of people are not aware that they have HPV in their system. Many men do have genital warts on their penis and remain unaware of their presence since they may be very tiny and hidden. A lot of women also have genital warts but remain oblivious because they occur internally in many cases. Only 10 percent of genital warts are noticeable.

4. Genital warts can be treated and get rid of.

There are different therapy options for genital warts removal depending on their size and location. If you consult your doctor, he or she may advise you to apply a topical medication or undergo electrocautery (burning), cryosurgery (freezing), or laser treatment. Some people also attest to the efficacy of herbal preparation in getting rid of genital warts.

5. Genital warts cannot spread from your genitals to other parts of your body and vice versa.

There are at least 150 types of HPV. The strains that are responsible for genital warts occur only in the genital region. They spread through direct contact with the skin of an infected partner through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Infection may happen through contact with a visible genital wart or through sub clinical infection, meaning contact with an area of the skin with no visible genital wart. Following sexual intercourse with an infected person, genital warts may take a few weeks to several years to manifest.

6. You can do something to prevent further development of genital warts.

Many studies have proven that having a healthy immune system helps a lot in preventing the outbreak of genital warts. For those who have had genital warts, physicians require specific supplements that boost the immune system like selenium, green tea extract, bioflavins, and grape seed extract.

7. Genital warts may cause cervical cancer.

Approximately 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer are caused by types 16 and 18 of HPV. HPV causes the outer layer of normal cells of the cervical transformation zone (TZ) to be replaced by cancer cells. Such a change is only detected in the early stages through a Pap smear. In fact, 90 percent of deaths arising from cervical cancer could have been prevented through early detection. Hence, it is imperative that all women who are sexually active have regular Pap smears.

W. Darren - - About the Author:

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts. Related topics including Causes of Genital Warts , Diagnosis of Genital Warts and more.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/genital-warts-7-established-facts-about-genital-warts-479551.html

Can Genital Warts Be Eliminated?

There are a lot of products available in the market nowadays that guarantee to eliminate your genital warts. However, it is important to know that the treatment that these products are talking about only refers to the removal of symptoms of genital warts. These available treatments merely get rid of the physical appearance of the warts. The virus responsible for genital warts, namely human papillomavirus (HPV), remains because there is still no cure for it. Thus, the best way of dealing with genital warts is prevention since treatment is very difficult.

It is a known fact that human papillomavirus is sexually transmitted. However, the virus does not need the exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse in order to be passed from one individual to another. Instead, HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact with other people infected with the virus. Thus, you may use barrier protection such as condoms in order to reduce your chances of contracting HPV. These forms of protection, however, do not promise a 100 percent chance because they do not cover the genital region completely. What this means is that you can still catch the virus and get genital warts even if you are engaging in protected sex.

Immunization is another method by which you can prevent genital warts. However, this method only applies to women. In June 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved the vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer and other diseases caused by HPV for public use. After this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the vaccine for use of women ages 9 to 26. This vaccine is commonly known as Gardasil. Gardasil is designed to protect women against four strains of HPV. These four strains all together amount to 70 percent of the cases of cervical cancer and 90 percent of genital warts cases.

You may also use prescription and/or over-the-counter medications to combat your genital warts. Examples of these include pondofilox, trichloracetic acid (TCA), and imiquimod. As mentioned before, these medications are only designed to eliminate the symptoms of genital warts and not to totally cure them. A lot of medical practitioners discourage the use of these medications because most of them have strong chemicals that, when not used properly, will definitely cause harm to our sensitive genitals.

If you find that these treatments are not effective for your case, your physician may recommend that you undergo major procedures to get rid of your genital warts, such as alpha-interferon injections, cryosurgery (freezing), CO2 laser surgery, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure.

It is vital to understand that even if the treatment for warts that you underwent was highly successful in eliminating the symptoms; your genital warts might recur because no cure has been found for the root cause of the problem, which is the human papillomavirus. Studies have shown that HPV can sleep in your system for a long period, and this may bring about the outbreak of another episode of genital warts.

However, it is good to know that the recurrence of genital warts happens in different levels of persistence. Some people will undergo several recurrences, while others will only have a few. This implies that our immune system gets some hold of the HPV, thus lowering our chances of getting recurrent episodes. In fact, in many cases, the probability of genital warts resurfacing get completely eliminated after two years.

W. Darren - - About the Author:

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts. Visit site for related topics: "What Are Genital Warts?", "Symtoms of Genital Warts" and more.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/can-genital-warts-be-eliminated-558609.html

Genital Warts - OTC Treatments For Genital Warts

Genital warts are a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. They are caused by human papillomavirus

 (HPV). Genital warts usually appear as grey or flesh-colored tiny bumps that are cauliflower-like. They are small, about 2 millimeters in diameter, but they can grow in large clusters and spread out into huge masses in the genital and anal areas. Furthermore, they may manifest in the mouth and throat of individuals who have engaged in oral sex with an infected partner.

HPV can lie dormant in your system for as short as a few weeks to as long as several years without showing any symptoms. However, it does not mean that while the HPV is in the incubation phase, you cannot spread it or contract it. This makes it hard to determine whether or not you have the said virus in our system, especially if no symptoms manifest. The best way to find out is to visit your doctor regularly for a check-up. He will conduct tests in order to verify if you have HPV. If you do, he will recommend the appropriate treatment plan depending on your medical history and the nature of your genital warts.

Over-the-Counter Treatment

But instead of visiting a doctor, some people prefer to purchase over-the-counter treatments. Genital warts are a serious and sensitive health disorder that has both physical and emotional effects on the sufferers. Since some over-the-counter treatments have been proven safe and effective in getting rid of genital warts, those sufferers can be spared from the expense, pain, and embarrassment that a visit to the doctor can bring about. If you do decide to buy over-the-counter treatments, make sure that you know how to use them. When used in the wrong way, they may have side effects and may damage your other healthy tissues. Also, make sure that they are compatible with the other treatments that you are using, if any. Some over-the-counter treatments may be dangerous if used alongside incompatible medications.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a popular component of many over-the-counter genital wart. The skin should be moistened with warm water in order to enhance the treatments' effects. Remove loose tissue, if any, and dry the affected area thoroughly. Then, apply the treatment directly on the warts. Those who have used salicylic acid solutions claim that their condition improved within a week or two. Note, however, that people with weak immune systems should refrain from using these products. Salicylic acid genital warts treatments are not recommended for use on warts with hair and on irritated areas. Pregnant women should also avoid them since they may have side effects on the fetus.

Natural Topical Gels

Aside from salicylic acid-based treatments, there are also natural topical gels that boost the skin's immune system to help it combat HPV. Examples include tea tree oil and grape seed extract. These products work not by destroying the tissue, but by helping your body overcome HPV on its own. About 50 percent of those who have tried these gels claim that they got positive results within a few weeks.

W. Darren - - About the Author:

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts. Related topics including What Are Genital Warts? , Symtoms of Genital Warts and more.

urce:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/genital-warts-otc-treatments-for-genital-warts-471528.html

Genital Warts OTC Treatments For Genital Warts

Genital warts are a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. They are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts usually appear as grey or flesh-colored tiny bumps that are cauliflower-like. They are small, about 2 millimeters in diameter, but they can grow in large clusters and spread out into huge masses in the genital and anal areas. Furthermore, they may manifest in the mouth and throat of individuals who have engaged in oral sex with an infected partner.

HPV can lie dormant in your system for as short as a few weeks to as long as several years without showing any symptoms. However, it does not mean that while the HPV is in the incubation phase, you cannot spread it or contract it. This makes it hard to determine whether or not you have the said virus in our system, especially if no symptoms manifest. The best way to find out is to visit your doctor regularly for a check-up. He will conduct tests in order to verify if you have HPV. If you do, he will recommend the appropriate treatment plan depending on your medical history and the nature of your genital warts.

Over-the-Counter Treatment

But instead of visiting a doctor, some people prefer to purchase over-the-counter treatments. Genital warts are a serious and sensitive health disorder that has both physical and emotional effects on the sufferers. Since some over-the-counter treatments have been proven safe and effective in getting rid of genital warts, those sufferers can be spared from the expense, pain, and embarrassment that a visit to the doctor can bring about. If you do decide to buy over-the-counter treatments, make sure that you know how to use them. When used in the wrong way, they may have side effects and may damage your other healthy tissues. Also, make sure that they are compatible with the other treatments that you are using, if any. Some over-the-counter treatments may be dangerous if used alongside incompatible medications.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a popular component of many over-the-counter genital wart. The skin should be moistened with warm water in order to enhance the treatments’ effects. Remove loose tissue, if any, and dry the affected area thoroughly. Then, apply the treatment directly on the warts. Those who have used salicylic acid solutions claim that their condition improved within a week or two. Note, however, that people with weak immune systems should refrain from using these products. Salicylic acid genital warts treatments are not recommended for use on warts with hair and on irritated areas. Pregnant women should also avoid them since they may have side effects on the fetus.

Natural Topical Gels

Aside from salicylic acid-based treatments, there are also natural topical gels that boost the skin's immune system to help it combat HPV. Examples include tea tree oil and grape seed extract. These products work not by destroying the tissue, but by helping your body overcome HPV on its own. About 50 percent of those who have tried these gels claim that they got positive results within a few weeks.

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts Related topics including of Genital Warts Symtoms and more.

Article Directory: http://www.ArticleSlash.net

Genital Warts 7 Established Facts About Genital Warts

Here are seven established facts about genital warts (G.W.).

1. Genital warts are highly contagious

G.W. spread easily from one person to another through sexual intercourse. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for this virus, is able to penetrate one's skin and mucosal surfaces through the tiny abrasions in the genital area that develop during sexual intercourse.

2. Genital warts are incurable

Once you catch HPV, you can never eliminate it from your body. You can treat it and remove this virus, but it remains dormant in your system. Thus, G.W. can show up again.

3. Genital warts may resurface

HPV can lie dormant in your body. It can resurface when triggered by risk factors like smoking, stress, excessive consumption of alcohol, immune system deficiencies, and lifestyle changes, among others. In fact, a lot of people are not aware that they have HPV in their system. Many men do have genital warts on their penis and remain unaware of their presence since they may be very tiny and hidden. A lot of women also have this virus but remain oblivious because they occur internally in many cases. Only 10 percent of G.W. are noticeable.

4. Genital warts can be treated and get rid of

There are different therapy options for this virus depending on their size and location. If you consult your doctor, he or she may advise you to apply a topical medication or undergo electrocautery (burning), cryosurgery (freezing), or laser treatment. Some people also attest to the efficacy of herbal preparation in getting rid of G.W..

5. Genital warts cannot spread from your genitals to other parts of your body and vice versa

There are at least 150 types of HPV. The strains that are responsible for G.W. occur only in the genital region. They spread through direct contact with the skin of an infected partner through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Infection may happen through contact with a visible G.W. or through subclinical infection, meaning contact with an area of the skin with no visible G.W. years to manifest.

6. You can do something to prevent further development of genital warts

Many studies have proven that having a healthy immune system helps a lot in preventing the outbreak of this virus. For those who have had G.W., physicians require specific supplements that boost the immune system like selenium, green tea extract, bioflavins, and grape seed extract.

7. Genital warts may cause cervical cancer

Approximately 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer are caused by types 16 and 18 of HPV. HPV causes the outer layer of normal cells of the cervical transformation zone (TZ) to be replaced by cancer cells. Such a change is only detected in the early stages through a Pap smear. In fact, 90 percent of deaths arising from cervical cancer could have been prevented through early detection. Hence, it is imperative that all women who are sexually active have regular Pap smears.

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts. Related topics including Causes Genital Warts, Diagnosis of Genital Warts and more.

Article Directory: http://www.ArticleSlash.net

What are the Causes of Human Papilloma Virus (hpv)?

Introduction

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), and resemble warts found on other parts of the body. Human papilloma virus (HPV) types 6,11,16,18 commonly cause anogenital infection, whereas types 1,2,3,4 and 10 cause skin warts. Warts usually appear 2 to 8 months after the infection has been acquired, but may take longer, even years, to appear. Asymptomatic infection is also common.

It is important to realise that many people can be infected with the genital wart virus but show no obvious lumpy warts.

Individuals infected with the virus, even without the lesions, can infect sexual partners. Some women have no evidence of genital wart virus, except on their Pap smear.

How is HPV Transmitted?

Although there are over 100 different strains of the virus, about 30 of them are considered to be sexually transmitted diseases,and are spread through sexual contact – most commonly vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Typically, the first symptom that an individual infected with HPV will experience is genital warts.

Herpes is contagious just prior to and during an outbreak. The most contagious period is when the cold sore (canker sore) orgenital herpes virus is replicating externally prior to an outbreak and during the outbreak when the lesions are filled with fluid.

It is almost impossible to contract the herpes virus from inanimate objects such as toilet seats. The cold sore and genital herpes viruses are spread through direct contact. The soft skin of the genitals, vagina and anus along with most surfaces of the moutharea are easy targets. Kissing, caressing and sexual contact with a person in the contagious stage will spread the disease.

Signs & Symptoms

·    Skin colored, pink or white lesions anywhere in the genital area

·    Lesions may by flat or raised and smooth or bumpy “cauliflower” appearance

·    HPV usually does not cause itching or burning

·    HPV can cause cell changes on a pap smear

·    Often there are no symptoms

Long Term Effects

Genital warts can be treated but not cured. The treatment can help make you feel better and can help take away the warts, but you will always have the virus. Having the virus can cause these problems:

·    You can pass it to others.

·    You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

Treatment

Medications

Genital warts treatments that can be applied directly to your skin include:

·    Imiquimod (Aldara). This cream appears to boost your immune system's ability to fight genital warts. Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on your skin. It may weaken condoms and diaphragms and may irritate your partner's skin.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - cervical cancer and genital warts

teenage girl HPV There are many (over 100) types of Human papillomavirus (HPV), around 40 of which are sexually acquired and can infect the genital tract. Certain genital HPV infections can cause cervical cancer, other cancers and genital warts. HPV types

associated with cancer are called oncogenic or 'high risk' types #58; 13 have been recognised by the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer.

james sameul - About the Author:

Read about first pregnancy symptoms directory Also Read about fast
and quick weight loss directory and Infant Constipation directory

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/what-are-the-causes-of-human-papilloma-virus-hpv-439059.html