The Warning Signs of HPV and Genital Warts Treatment.

You have probably heard of the human papillomavirus or HPV by now. This is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world today. It is so common that at least half of all sexually active individuals will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. HPV can produce genital warts, but sometimes it produces no symptoms at all. If you are sexually active then it is extremely important you keep reading to learn more about HPV and genital warts treatment.

The first thing you need to be aware of is there are over 100 different strains of HPV. Some strains of HPV will cause genital warts. Some will cause warts on other parts of the body such as your hands and feet, and some strains will cause cervical cancer in women. Many individuals who become infected with HPV will eventually clear the virus on their own without treatment. But for an unlucky few, this virus will cause cancer.

HPV will thrive in the mucus membranes such as the genital area. If you develop genital warts then you are infected with HPV. Genital warts cannot develop without the HPV virus. These warts will appear as small bumps that may be flat or raised. They can be flesh colored, or they may be pink. Warts may appear individually or they may appear in clusters. Men can develop genital warts on penis, around the anus or on the scrotum. Women can develop genital warts around the vagina, inside the vagina and on the cervix. Both sexes may see warts anywhere in the groin area or on the thighs.

Genital warts may not show up for weeks or even months after sexual contact with an individual infected with HPV. This is what makes HPV so contagious. Often times an individual will not be aware they are infected and will be unknowingly passing it to all sexual partners. Using condoms may decrease the risk a little, but it is not 100% protection. If you discover you have genital warts it is best to stop having sex until you find a good genital warts treatment.

Genital warts usually cause no symptoms. Sometimes genital warts will itch and bleed.
Some people will report pain with genital warts. Women who have warts inside the vagina may experience vaginal discharge, pain with intercourse and pain with urination.

HPV is often diagnosed by just a visual inspection by the doctor. The strain of HPV that causes genital warts is generally not the same strain that causes cancer. But you can be infected with different strains at the same time. Women are at the highest risk because it has now been determined that 100% of all cervical cancers are caused by infection with the HPV virus. HPV of the cervix can be detected by routine PAP tests.

Women who are infected with strains of HPV that can cause cancer will be told their PAP test is abnormal. At this time, your doctor may decide to do some DNA testing to determine if you have the specific strains of HPV that causes cervical cancer. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers. When your doctor performs a DNA screening test, he will take a few cells from the cervix, just as he would during a PAP test. These cells are then sent to the laboratory for analysis. There are no specific DNA testing for men available at this time.

Genital warts treatment may vary depending upon the location of the warts and the severity of the infection. Men may be able to treat their genital warts easily at home by applying tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar to the visible warts. After a few applications, the warts should disappear.

Genital warts treatment for women is more complicated. Since these warts may be inside the vagina and on the cervix applying apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil is not an option. Women who have genital warts will need to see their doctor for treatment. The doctor may have to use specially formulated medications to freeze the warts off. Warts on the cervix may need to be burnt off with a laser or other type of equipment. It is extremely important for women who are infected with HPV to have a PAP test every year, unless their doctor tells them otherwise.

There are homeopathic solutions available that claim to eliminate genital warts. These homeopathic remedies are made from natural ingredients. They can contain specific plant extracts or essential oils that have been tested and proven to be a successful genital warts treatment. You can order homeopathic treatments online or you may be able to find a good homeopathic practitioner in your area.

Genital warts should be taken seriously. If you are sexually active it is critical that you routinely check yourself for genital warts. If warts are present, start a genital warts treatment right away.