Genital warts are grey or flesh colored bumps and growths that develop in the genital areas, anus, or vaginal area of both men and women. They are a form of sexually transmitted disease and caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are sometimes cauliflower like lumps.

It is best to avoid contacting this disease by using protection in the form of condoms. However, once contracted, it is possible to get rid of genital warts. It is best to contact your doctor about this. They are unsightly and can cause irritation, though they are generally painless. If formed in the urethra of men or vagina of women they can cause more than discomfort. In such cases it is best to contact a doctor immediately.

There are many ways of getting rid of genital warts. The doctor is the best source of information and advice on this. Some of the treatments include surgery, electro desiccation, injections, and genital warts cream. The cream can be rubbed on to the wart for a cure. Care should be taken to ensure that you do not touch or squeeze the warts as they are highly contagious.

One should also take care to avoid trauma in the area as it can lead to bleeding. Proper precautions should be taken to avoid transmitting this disease to a sexual partner. The virus particles can penetrate the mucosal area through minor cuts and abrasions during sexual activity.

You have to complete the necessary treatment as outlined by the doctor. Women with genital warts should get themselves screened for cervical cancer. If the first line of action does not cure genital warts then please do see the doctor for follow up action and also see a dermatologist if necessary.

There are some vaccines against genital warts. However, the best defense is to use condoms and refrain from sexual activity until treatment is completed.

Genital warts might not respond to treatment or reoccur after showing an initial good response. This can be because of persistence of the virus in the area in hair follicles or deep lesions. Also, there is a 60 per cent risk of getting the infection from a single sexual encounter. So care must be taken at all times to minimize the risk of infection. The warts appear three months after the sexual contact with an infected partner.

Some women with genital warts suffer from bleeding. This is a sign that you should visit a doctor immediately.

Pregnant women should not use podophyllin or podofilox as they are absorbed by the skin and may cause birth defects in the baby. In addition, pregnant women should not use 5-fluorouracil cream.

If the warts are small, the health care provider can remove them by one of three methods: Freezing (cryosurgery), Burning (electrocautery), or Laser treatment. If the warts are large and have not responded to other treatment, surgery is an option to remove them.

Some doctors inject the antiviral drug alpha interferon directly into warts that have returned after removal by traditional means. This drug is expensive. Moreover it does not reduce the rate at which the genital warts return.

Although treatments can get rid of the warts, none can get rid of the virus. Because the virus is still present in your body, the warts often come back after treatment.

In other words there is no permanent cure for genital warts. Treatment, including that by creams, can only suppress them. Hence, care should be taken to ensure that you do not infect others with this virus and disease.

In rare cases, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat because of oral sex with an infected person.
Like many STIs, genital HPV infections often do not have signs and symptoms that one can see or feel. However, if you are infected but have no symptoms, you can still spread HPV to your sexual partner and/or develop complications from the virus.
As some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, a woman who develops genital warts should get herself tested for cervical cancer through a pap smear test. Pregnant women too should take additional precautions as passing on the infection to the baby can be life threatening to the baby.