Finding Out Whether You Have Genital Warts
The sad thing about genital warts is that a lot of people do not know they have because they do not know what they look like. So what exactly do they look like? When you find out how to spot them, it will be a whole lot easier to tell if you have been infected. Proper identification is critical if you plan on attempting to treat them yourself. Otherwise, you should see your doctor.
A genital wart is typically white or pinkish little bumps that are locate in the groin area. These warts resemble the same warts that are often found on your hands and fingers. Some are so tiny that you can hardly see them until they begin to appear in clusters.
Believe it or not, there are some cases when doctors can not identify the genital warts at first glance and they often mistake them for pinched skin, abrasions, and normal bumps. To effectively identify them, doctors generally use acetic acid on the affected area. Then when something turns white, it means that the individual indeed has genital warts. Another way to identify these warts is by using a colposcope. The lens of this instrument behaves like that of a telescope and by using it the doctor can clearly see what is on the genital area. If you feel some small bumps on your genitals, you need to see a doctor immediately.
A genital wart is caused mainly by a virus known as HPV. Wart outbreaks do not normally occur even among virus-infected individuals. Some warts do not look like warts at all and so it can be hard to tell if you have them. Warts come in various sizes so you need to give immediate medical attention if you feel anything uncommon in your genital area.
Men and women can have genital warts. In men, the warts can appear on the anus, urethra, scrotum, and penis. Warts found near the anus are rough fingerlike projections while those found on the penis appear smooth. Their shape can be likened to a cauliflower and has pearly color. Since the genital area is covered with pubic hair, genital warts are oftentimes hard to see.
In women, genital warts are found around the vagina where there is lots of moisture. If you have genital warts around the vagina, you should see a qualified doctor at once because there is a high chance that you may have the warts in the ano-rectal and cervix area as well. Women are more prone to develop cervical cancer especially if the warts reach the cervix. Once you find out if you have genital warts, schedule an appointment with the doctor at once.
It is a good thing if you know what the genital warts look like because you can easily identify if you have them. By simply examining your genital area, you can tell if you have acquired the virus. So it really does not really matter should your personal examination turns out wrong. The important thing is that you get medical attention right away and get a proper diagnosis.
Even though your genital warts may be embarrassing, you still have to get medical attention right away as you could very well be putting yourself at great, especially if you are female. Even men should seek medical help if they have it. There are several treatment options for getting rid of genital warts. Once the doctor diagnoses your true condition, you will be able to choose the best treatment alternative.