Genital Warts

Genital warts are a highly common form of viral STI (sexually transmitted infection) that are caused by the HPV virus (human papilloma virus). This highly contagious STI affects hundreds of individuals in the UK each year, with an average of 250 new cases being diagnosed yearly. The warts themselves look like small growths of flesh, but can also be shaped like a cauliflower.

Genital warts can affect both men and women and are spread during unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. Whilst there isn't a known cure to get rid of genital warts indefinitely, clinically proven medications are available to buy that can effectively control this condition, as well as significantly reduce the severity of genital wart outbreaks.

The human papilloma virus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact, causes this STI. Approximately 90% of genital warts infections are caused by two strains of HPV: HPV-6 and HPV-11.

These strains of HPV are considered "low risk", which means that their potential to cause cancer is low. There are other types of HPV strains, which can lead to cervical cancer, such as HPV-16, but these are not the same strains that cause genital warts.

Genital warts are spread through having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. This means a person who is infected with HPV. If you engage in unprotected sex, it will be significantly more likely that you will become infected. You will also have a higher chance of this if you have multiple sexual partners.

What causes an outbreak?

Clinical studies have shown that the main triggers of an outbreak can include:

• A higher than normal alcohol consumption
• Genital friction
• Fatigue
• Stress

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The majority of people will not realise straight away that they have been infected with this STI, because it can take several months before the virus leads to an outbreak. This is why it is important to get tested for STIs after you have unprotected sex. The first genital warts symptoms will be growths of fleshy lumps on the genitals.

Genital warts in women appear in or around the vagina and labia as well as the general genital area. In men they affect the penis, mostly around the foreskin. In appearance, they can be small or large, are usually painless and can be rough or smooth. Some people report itchiness, but this is not the case for everyone. It is important to note that warts may occur internally without any visible symptoms.

Genital warts can be effectively treated by means of surgery or prescription medication.

Surgery

Surgery is usually only required when removing exceptionally large warts, or for women during pregnancy. Surgeries available for genital warts include freezing the warts (cryotherapy), burning off the warts (electrocautery), lasering the warts and cutting out the warts (excision).

These procedures are usually carried out in a GUM clinic. These surgical methods won't cure genital warts, but can help to manage an outbreak.

Prescription medication

Medications (i.e. topical treatments) for the management of genital warts can include prescription cream and prescription lotion. These clinically proven treatments can be purchased from euroClinix in the form of Aldara, Condyline and Warticon, all of which are high effective and tested medications with only mild side effects. These treatments can be used at home without the need to visit a clinic.

Genital warts are completely preventable and there are various methods that you can follow to successfully prevent this condition, including the following:

• Use male or female condoms – this is regarded as the most effective method of prevention for genital warts.
• HPV vaccines – these vaccines are offered to girls in the UK aged from 12 to 13. There are two types of vaccines for HPV; Gardasil and Cervarix, which are not currently available on the NHS. Not all forms of HPV are protected with these vaccines; therefore cervical screenings may also be necessary.
• Do not share sex toys – when sharing sex toys, ensure that they are washed thoroughly and covered with a fresh condom.

If you are looking to control and clear an outbreak of genital warts, we at euroClinix provide a selection of prescription medications to successfully manage this condition. You can buy your genital warts treatments here at euroClinix quickly and safely, after completing a brief online consultation, which is completely free and confidential. This consultation will be assessed by one of our doctors who will determine whether the medication you choose will be safe and effective for you.

If this is the case, you will be issued with a prescription. Your genital warts treatment will then be dispatched from our registered pharmacy via free next delivery. All of our treatments are delivered in plain, discreet packaging.