U.S. Health Watch

Genital warts are a Sexually Transmitted Disease which, as a virus, once caught, never leaves the human body. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will continuously be covered in genital warts. It does mean however, that you will be prone to break out in warts at any given time, and that you will be a carrier of the virus that causes genital warts.

There is no treatment that will cure genital warts by removing the virus, but if warts are present, they can be removed in a number of ways.

The best way to prevent genital warts is to use a condom or have a monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected. It is much easier to prevent transmission of the virus than to deal with the virus after you have caught it.

Treatment for genital warts begins with a diagnosis by your doctor. The warts are highly contagious, so if you see warts you should immediately take precautions so that you don’t spread them. This includes immediately notifying your partner.

Many times, the virus that causes the warts may remain in the body and lie dormant. There may be no warts visible but the virus may still be present. This can be a dangerous time, because infection may still occur, even though the warts aren’t visible.

So, if your doctor diagnoses you as having genital warts, be sure to discuss your options, possible genital warts treatments, and ways to prevent spreading the condition.

Genital Warts Treatment and the Immune System

There are a variety of methods used to treat genital warts. Some of the most popular genital wart treatments include taking medication, freezing the warts, or using laser surgery. Some people who have HIV infection or a lowered immune system may find that they will need a longer course of treatment. The type of treatment that is best for you will depend upon conditions such as the amount of warts and where the warts are located.

Genital warts may also lead to problematic pap smears, so it is very important that women see their gynecologists immediately if they suspect they may have genital warts.

Genital Warts: The Virus

Unfortunately, even if you have genital warts surgically removed, you can’t remove the Human Papillomavirus that will remain in your body. This can cause risk to pregnant women, and if warts are present during the time of birth, a cesarean section may be recommended to prevent infecting the baby with the warts. Again, it is vitally important to consult with your physician regarding all possible forms of treatment.

Its important to remember that the virus that causes genital warts will remain in your body, regardless of which treatment you use. The key is to continue treatment, and to follow the advice of your doctor.

As with all sexually transmitted diseases, prevention is often thought of after the fact. If you have contracted genital warts, help avoid the spread of the disease by spreading the word about condom use. Be part of the solution, not the problem, when it comes to genital warts.