The condition known as genital warts is painful, irritating and often embarrassing sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by some types of HPV (human papillomavirus). Two of the 100 different types of HPV are responsible for female genital warts. Whilst HPV infections can take many different forms, the most commonly recognisable symptom is warts.
Genital warts are also known as Condyloma, Condylomate acuminate and veneral warts.
Infection By Female Genital Warts
Genital warts are spread largely through direct skin-to-skin contact during sex, and in women can manifest themselves around the vulva, perineum, anus, vagina and the cervix. The condition is highly contagious, with around 60% of women contracting female genital warts within 3 months of sexual contact with someone who has them.
It often surprises people to find that genital warts can be transmitted through oral sex. In fact the oral route is much less likely to pass on the virus, and it generally fares better in genital tissues rather than around the mouth.
Female Genital Warts and Pregnancy
Female genital warts can be passed from a mother to her baby by what is known as ‘vertical infection’. If a woman with genital warts does become pregnant then the warts have a higher chance of flaring up, making urination a problem. Some treatments for female genital warts can be harmful to an unborn baby, and therefore cannot be used. Finally if the warts are present inside the vagina, they may prevent the stretching of the birth canals that is necessary for the baby’s proper growth.
This aside, female genital warts do not affect fertility or the chance of getting pregnant.
Treatment Of Female Genital Warts
There are many different options available for women suffering from genital warts. As with any ailment, the medication and treatment options differ wildly in effectiveness and risk level; often treatments will vary depending on the strain of HPV causing the warts, their position, and even on the patient.
Common prescription mediations for female genital warts include Podophyllin, Podofilox, Trichloraecetic acid (TCA) and Imiquimod (Aldara). Of these, Podophyllin and Podofilox cannot be use during pregnancy, and Imiquimod contains chemicals that degrade rubber and may irritate the skin.
Other common treatments include lasers, cryosurgery (or freezing), electric cauterization and surgical removal.
Many cases of female genital warts actually cure themselves given time, but if you are in any pain or distress then a doctor will be able to help.
A natural remedy for female genital wart removal is Dermisil, which uses a two-part system allowing a capsule to attack the infection from within, and cream which clears the warts from the outside.