Genital warts – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, February 22, 2018 by Zoey Sky

A sexually transmitted disease (STD), genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Also called condylomata acuminate or venereal warts, these often appear as a small bump or cluster of bumps in the genital area.

Genital warts are flesh-colored, and they may be flat or bumpy like a cauliflower. Sometimes, genital warts can be small enough that the naked eye can’t see them. Women often have warts in or near the vagina, on the cervix, or by the anus.

Genital warts are less common in men, and they may have warts on the tip of the penis, near the anus, or on the scrotum, thigh, or groin.

Known side effects of genital warts

Genital warts often appear about two to three months after a patient has developed an HPV infection. However, in some cases, incubation periods may last for at least a year.

Warts in women start as small lumps that feel gritty and eventually grow larger. Genital warts in men look like warts that can develop on a person’s hand, and they will look firm and raised with a rough surface.

Genitals warts are usually painless, but some individuals can experience itchiness and irritation, especially if warts develop near the anus. Other people may experience bleeding from warts during sexual intercourse. Take note that it is better to abstain from sex until the genital warts are fully healed.

If warts develop near or inside the urethra, they can disrupt the normal flow of urine. The urethra is a tube connected to the bladder, and urine passes through it.

Risk factors for genital warts include:

Being younger than 30
Having a mother who had the virus while giving birth
Having immune system weaknesses
A history of child abuse
Smoking

Body systems harmed by genital warts

When left untreated, genital warts can eventually cause abnormal urine flow in men, especially if warts are near the urethra. Warts can also cause bleeding from the urethra, vagina, or anus; or increased vaginal discharge.

Some types of sexually transmitted HPV are linked to cancer, but the HPV types that cause genital warts are not linked to cancer. A persistent HPV infection can cause cervical cancer, which is the most common type of HPV-related cancer.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HPV types 16 and 18 cause at least 70 percent of cervical cancers.

HPV can also cause:

Anal cancer
Cancer of the back of the throat
Penile cancer
Vaginal cancer
Vulvar cancer

Food items or nutrients that may prevent genital warts

These foods can help prevent genital warts:

Almonds
Antioxidant-rich foods – blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, bell peppers, squash
Beans
Dark leafy greens – spinach and kale
Lean meats
Whole grains

Eating these foods can help boost your immune system and minimize the recurrence of HPV.

Treatments, management plans for genital warts

Treating genital warts can help with the amelioration of symptoms, such as relieving cosmetic concerns and the removal of warts. For most patients, treatment can prompt wart-free periods. When left untreated, visible genital warts may “resolve on their own, remain unchanged, or increase in size or number.”

Therapies for genital warts can help reduce HPV infectivity, but they may not completely eradicate it. It is unknown if the reduction in HPV viral DNA resulting from treatment minimizes future transmission.

Where to learn more

Summary

A sexually transmitted disease (STD), genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Also called condylomata acuminate, or venereal warts, these often appear as a small bump or cluster of bumps in the genital area.

Eating these foods can help boost your immune system and minimize the recurrence of HPV: almonds, antioxidant-rich foods, beans, dark leafy greens, lean meats, whole grains.

Sources include

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