Genital warts are painful, unpredictable and the most recognized symptom of genital human papillomavirus infection. Technically known as Condylomata acuminata, these warts often make urinating, defecation and sexual activities simply agonizing. Warts inside the throat will make swallowing painful. Therefore, those who are suffering from genital warts are often ready to undertake any genital wart treatment to get rid of them. However, you should know a little about them before taking up any treatment.
Human papillomavirus enters the body through direct skin-to-skin contact during the sexual activities, be they genital, anal or oral. Once the virus enters the cells, it may remain latent for years without any manifestation. The warts may or may not come out at all. The body’s immune system may or may not clear the HPV infection on its own. It is said that although 15% to 20% of the sexually active population carries the virus, only 1% of them have visible warts. Those who do not have visible wart can still be transmitting the virus. So you can never be sure if your partner is carrying HPV or not. That is the most dangerous part of it.
Genital warts treatment depends on various factors like nature, size or location of the warts. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the virus that causes it. Therefore, the wart that is removed by treatment reappears after few months. Besides, carrying the virus within your body means that you are transmitting the virus each time you have intercourse. However, latest research has shown that the virus, known as human papillomavirus can be brought under control through immunological treatment. Regular treatment of the warts too can weaken the virus and stop its replication.
The success of the genital warts treatment using topical ointments depends largely on the patient himself. The instructions should be followed to the letter. Skipping the schedules from time to time or applying it more than it has been prescribed will harm you equally. Consult your doctor before taking any other medicine. Drug interaction may cause severe side effects. However, if the doctor himself prescribes any other drug that has to be used in tandem you can do so without qualms because the doctor must be aware of the ingredient of each and will not prescribe anything that will interact to produce unwanted side effects.
Most doctors will tell you to discontinue the current medications that you are currently on and then prescribe their medication. The topical medications are often available in two forms—gels and creams. There are some topical medications that are available as oils. Common topical medications that are used for the genital warts treatment are as follows:
- Imiquimod which is available in the market as Aldara
- Podofilox lotion or gel which is available in the market as Condylox
- Sinecatechins which is available in the market as Veregen
You will not have much trouble if you are careful and follow the doctor’s advice to the letter and spirit. However, many people are careless and take these medicines as mere lotions and creams. They apply such medicines whenever they wish and in whatever quantity they wish and suffer violent side effects as a result. If you are pregnant or if you are breast-feeding your baby, or become pregnant during the course of the treatment, let your doctor know about it. Genital wart medication may harm the fetus and cause defect at birth. Their effect on lactation is not clear and the doctor may not want to take a chance.
Podofilox 0.5% is the cheapest available genital wart medication. It is indicated for topical treatment of external genital warts, not for perianal or mucous membrane warts. Exceeding the recommended amount of the medication, the frequency of application, the duration of usage does not mean early cure, but intolerable side effects. Read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before embarking on the treatment. Overdose may cause burning, pain, inflammation, itching and even erosion of skin. So be careful.
Wash and dry the area before each application. Use the amount prescribed. Wash your hands immediately. Do not put your hands in your eyes, mouth or nostril before that. In case you do, rinse those parts thoroughly and see the doctor. Aldara pouches are for one-time uses only. Discard the pouch safely after using it once even if there is some ointment left. Follow the doctor’s guidelines to the letter, unless of course you want to invite trouble.
Article by Matthew McMillan of TreatmentForGenitalWarts.com, a website with the best treatment of genital warts information on the web.
