Genital warts are the product of the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are the most common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) and mainly affect those in their 20’s. They are medically known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts and although there is no cure for the papilloma virus itself, there are several ways you can cure yourself of genital warts.

HPV has over 100 strains but it is mainly the strains 6 and 11 that cause genital warts. These warts tend to grow in the moist areas of the genitals like the tip or shaft of the penis in males or on the vulva, vagina and cervix in females; they can also appear around and inside the anal region.

Occasionally, after oral sex with an infected individual, warts can appear in the mouth and throat but this is rarer as the virus seems to prefer the genital area. Incidentally, it is worth noting that some babies have been known to contract the virus in their respiratory tract during delivery from a mother suffering from genital warts. The virus is highly contagious so if you think you have contracted it always seek medical advice not only for your own sake but for also for those who come into contact with you.

There are different medical treatments for genital warts available but there is no guarantee that the warts will not return as they are the product of a virus as opposed to a bacteria and antibiotics cannot fight off a virus. The only answer is to deal with the warts and let the body’s own immune system deal with the virus.

Medically speaking, if your warts are small and manageable, there are different creams obtainable from the doctor such as imiquimod which can boost your immune system to fight the warts and podofilox. The latter, however, is only for external warts as it destroys the wart tissue and has to be applied directly to the infected skin. This is not to be used during pregnancy. There is also trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which is a strong chemical and must only be administered by the doctor.

For larger warts, and for women who are pregnant, you may want to consider some surgical procedures. Treatments include cryotherapy which basically freezes the warts off, electrocautery which burns the warts off or the more expensive laser treatment which is only used for the most difficult to treat warts.

There are, of course, home remedies available for use if your warts are not too large or if you just don’t want to go to the doctor. Many swear by the properties of apple cider vinegar. Apply the vinegar directly to the infected skin and then put some tape over it and leave for a couple of hours. This should make the warts go white. Keep doing this and the warts should eventually fall off – it may be a prolonged process but all accounts report a successful outcome. Other home remedies include vitamin E oil, milkweed sap, onion juice and garlic although this last one seems to produce a burning sensation.

People think that smoking and oral contraceptives seem to make you more open to the occurrence of genital warts therefore quitting the use of these may have a beneficial effect. As well as this, it will always help to build up your body’s immune system with a good diet (including lots of dark green leafy vegetables) and a moderate amount of exercise such as aerobics, walking or maybe cycling. It may not be possible to cure the virus but genital warts can be brought to a minimum.

© Megan Jackson

Megan is a teacher who likes to help people with genital warts issues. She is also a platinum-level expert author on EzineArticles.com which is the world’s largest article directory. Megan recommends using natural and homeopathic approaches such as Wartrol. For a special discount, just click here.