By Mace Laith
Genital warts are small, fleshy growths that can appear on the genitals and around the anus. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
HPV is a very common virus that can be passed on through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and not all of them cause genital warts.
In fact, most people who have HPV don’t even know it. Treatment for genital warts are usually recommended because some types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, or anus.
What are the Symptoms of Genital Warts?
There are many different types of HPV, and some types can cause cancer. Genital warts are typically caused by low-risk HPV types that do not cause cancer.
Symptoms of genital warts can include itching, burning, pain, or bleeding in the genital area. Warts may appear as small bumps or clusters of bumps, and they can be raised or flat. They may be flesh-colored or white and occur on the vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, or groin.
If left untreated, genital warts can grow and multiply. They can also lead to other health problems, such as cancer of the cervix in women.
When Should you See a Doctor if you have any Concerns about Genital Warts
As explained above, if left untreated, genital warts can lead to serious health complications, including cervical cancer. Therefore, it is important to get prompt medical treatment if you think you may have genital warts.
In general, you should see a doctor for genital warts treatment if you have any concerns about genital warts. If you notice any unusual growths or changes in your genital area, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Additionally, you should see a doctor if you experience any pain, itching, or burning in your genital area. A few more reasons to see a doctor include if you notice any bleeding from your anus or vagina or if you have difficulty urinating.
If you are pregnant and think you may have genital warts, it is important to see a doctor right away as well. This is especially important because genital warts can cause several problems during pregnancy.
They can grow larger and more numerous, making them more likely to bleed. This can increase the risk of infection and make it difficult to urinate.
There is also a risk that warts will grow inside the vagina or anus, which can cause problems during delivery. In rare cases, genital warts can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, or anus.
However, with treatment, most women with genital warts have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. Timely treatment of genital warts is important to prevent the spread of the infection and to avoid complications.
If you think you may have genital warts, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. It could be just a harmless growth, but it’s always best to get checked out by a professional.
How is Genital Warts Treatment Done?
There are several options when it comes to genital warts treatment. The most common treatments are topical creams and solutions applied directly to warts. These can be bought over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor.
Other common treatments include freezing warts (cryotherapy), burning warts (electrocautery), or removing warts with a laser. These procedures should only be done in a doctor’s office.
In some cases, genital warts can go away on their own without treatment. However, this is not always the case, and it is often difficult to know when warts will go away.
Additionally, even if warts go away, the HPV infection will still be present in the body. This means that warts could come back at any time, and there is a risk of spreading the infection to others.
For these reasons, it is often recommended to get genital warts treatment even if they do not cause any symptoms. Treatment can help get rid of warts and reduce the risk of them coming back or spreading the infection.
If you have genital warts, there are many treatment options available. Talk to your doctor about the best option you can get for genital warts treatment.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Treatment for Genital Warts?
Most treatments for genital warts are safe and effective. However, like with any medical treatment, there are some risks associated with treatment for genital warts.
The most common side effect of topical creams and solutions is local skin irritation. This can include redness, itching, and burning at the site of application. These side effects are usually mild and should resolve quickly on their own.
Freezing, burning, and laser therapy can also cause local skin irritation. In rare cases, these procedures can cause more severe side effects, such as scarring or changes in skin color.
There is also a small risk of infection associated with any treatment that involves breaking the skin, such as freezing, burning, and laser therapy. Overall, the risks associated with genital warts treatment are usually very low. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and side effects of any treatment before starting.
If you have concerns about the risks associated with treatment for genital warts, talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment option. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor about the risks of treatment for genital warts:
- What are the risks associated with the different treatment options?
- How often do these side effects occur?
- Are there any long-term risks associated with treatment for genital warts?
- What are the chances that my warts will come back after treatment?
These questions can help you and your doctor make the best decision for your individual situation.
The Bottom Line
No matter what, if you think you have genital warts, it is important to see a doctor. Timely treatment is important to prevent the spread of the infection and to avoid complications. Even better, there are many effective treatment options available today. So, if you think you have genital warts, don’t wait to get help.
We offer a variety of treatment options for genital warts. We also offer HPV testing and vaccination to help prevent the infection in the first place. To make an appointment, call us at +65 888 12344 or visit our website at www.drbenmedical.sg/.
Dr Ben Medical @ Raffles Place : Ear Wax Removal, Allergy Testing, Erectile Dysfunction
1 Raffles Pl, #04-50, Singapore 048616
+65 8881 2344
