Genital Warts and Herpes

If you are a young adult and starting to be sexually active, it can be very confusing to understand all about the possible sexually transmitted diseases that can be caught. Although most people know the dangers of and are even quite knowledgeable about HIV, they may know less about two other sexually transmitted diseases which are very common. Genital warts and genital herpes are caused by these two other viruses namely human papilloma virus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Both genital warts and genital herpes can be transmitted through sexual intercourse and skin to skin contact and they are both more likely to be transmitted when warts and sores are visible. Both these conditions can lie dormant for weeks, months or even years before flaring up.

Symptoms, testing, diagnosing and treatment of genital warts

Genital warts when they appear can be small and flesh colored or even very minute and flat so that they are almost invisible. They tend to grow and multiply and may end up in cauliflower like clusters. There is usually little or no discomfort with genital warts. They can appear in and around the vagina, in the cervix, on the head or shaft of the penis, on the scrotum and in and around the anus. They can be internal or external genital warts. If you have external genital warts, your doctor will be able to diagnose them fairly easily. In the case of male internal or invisible warts, your doctor can apply a solution of vinegar to the area which will turn any warts white. There is no test yet available to confirm the presence of HPV in males. In the case of females, a Pap smear test will often indicate whether or not HPV is present.

Once it has been confirmed that you have genital warts, your doctor will advise you on the different methods of treatment available. For example you can treat genital warts at home by:

You doctor can treat genital warts in his surgery by using a topical application of TCA. This causes a chemical burning of the skin which destroys the wart tissue. A topical anesthetic may be applied to decrease the temporary discomfort with this treatment. Other treatments include freezing, laser or surgical excision. You will need to exercise patience with whatever method is decided upon as they can all take time to eradicate your genital warts. You also need to remember that there is no cure for HPV and the virus remains in your skin.

Symptoms, testing, diagnosing and treatment of genital herpes

The symptoms of genital herpes are a rash in the genital area together with painful and itchy blisters or tender lumps on the grown. The very first outbreak can be very painful with flu like symptoms, swollen glands and a general unwell feeling. You may have a painful burning when urinating. Any subsequent outbreaks should be less painful. Most people with HSV find that they can have an average of 4 outbreaks of genital herpes in a year.

There are blood tests available to diagnose genital herpes and if your doctor carries out an examination during a herpes outbreak, he will also be able to recognize the symptoms.

Although there is no cure as yet for genital herpes, there are treatments available to relieve the pain and discomfort of the outbreak as well as to limit the recurring outbreaks. These include prescription drugs through your doctor and natural healing products available on line.

Conclusion

Whether you are suffering from genital warts or genital herpes, it is important for you to remember that any sexual partner is at risk of contracting the virus from you. You need to discuss with your sexual partner the level of risk you are comfortable with when deciding on the best protection. Condoms used the right way from start to finish each time you have sex may help provide protection. It is also to the advantage of both of you to have a healthy lifestyle so do all you can to boost your immune system. Ensuring a healthy lifestyle means eating good, nutritious food with vitamins and herbs, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and avoiding stress. Don’t forget to cut down on the alcohol and do all you can to give up that smoking habit too. Smoking interferes with your immune system and there is a higher incidence of genital warts and genital herpes (HPV and HSV), as well as slower healing, associated with smokers.