Genital warts are a form of sexually transmitted disease. The virus forms flesh colored or grey warts in the genital area and anus and rectum of both men and women. Caused by the human papilloma virus, it has the potential to cause cancer. So a careful screening for cancer has to be done if the warts are found.

The warts are painless, though the size and position can cause discomfort. Some patients claim that they cause itchiness. Genital wart removal is normally through surgery. There are other forms of treatment as well, such as cryotherapy, laser treatment and so on. Cryotherapy does not require even local anesthesia, whereas laser treatment is done under local or general anesthesia depending on the condition of the patient. The wart is removed and some period of sexual inactivity is prescribed. This is to prevent infections and establish a complete cure.

One can also remove genital warts through electrodessication. Here an electric current burns the warts. The fumes so generated can be infectious, so care needs to be taken.

Other forms of treatment include the application of genital warts cream. Here, the cream is applied locally on the wart. As the wart is highly infectious, please do not touch the wart directly or squeeze it. Injections can also be used to cure the warts.

In men, the wart might form in the urethra making it difficult to pass urine. In women, there might be bleeding or vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse. Both these conditions indicate an immediate visit to the doctor.

As prevention is easier than cure, please try to use a condom during intercourse with an infected partner to prevent infection. This is not always possible, especially as the virus can be dormant for up to three months before appearing as warts.

Pregnancy causes the virus and the warts to become visible. As the warts can infect the new born and cause respiratory diseases, that can be fatal for the new born, it is best if the warts are treated at once in an expecting mother. If necessary visit a qualified dermatologist as well.

In general it is better to visit the doctor and take the prescribed medication. It is also best if you abstain from sexual activity during the prescribed period. Another thing that is a must is the use of a condom to prevent the infection from spreading to your partner. By following these methods one can lessen the severity of the infection and control the spread of the virus. The idea is to control the spread of this virus that causes cancer in women.

Do not worry too much about how you got infected but try to ensure that you do not infect others.

Though the warts disappear with treatment, they can recur after a few months. This can be due to repeat infections from the partner, or because all the viruses were not destroyed the first time around. Whatever the reason, it is best to take treatment again until the virus is completely eliminated from the body.

To sum up, genital warts are sexually transmitted and caused by a virus. They can be removed by surgery or the topical application of a cream. They are highly infectious and can even lead to the death of new borns, if the mother is infected. They also can cause cervical cancer in women.

As in most cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), genital warts can also be prevented a lot more easily than cured. It is best to indulge only in protected sex with an infected partner. If infected, please do approach a qualified and competent doctor or dermatologist to ensure that you are completely cured. Please follow all the rules prescribed, including abstinence during the period of treatment to ensure a complete cure.

By following all the rules prescribed by the doctor, you lessen the chances of re-infecting yourself, enhance your chances of a complete cure, and also lessen the chances of infecting your partner. Keeping these points in mind follow the regimen with care and patience.

It is best to opt for the treatment and complete the course of medication as prescribed by the doctor or medical practitioner. Just keep your chin up and be cheerful as you follow the course of treatment.