War On Warts

A new product called Veregen (sinecatechins) 15% ointment is now available for the treatment of warts. Sinecatechins are an extract from Green Tea, that cleared almost 90% of anogenital warts in clinical studies.

The medication is only approved for treatment of external genital and perianal warts, and is not without side effects.  One out of five patients experience erythema, pruritus, burning, pain/discomfort, erosion/ulceration, edema, induration or a vesicular rash.  The medication is also going to be expensive, and likely not covered by many insurance plans.

Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, which is usually transmitted through sexual contact but not necessarily through anal intercourse. The same type of warts may occur on the penis, scrotum, vagina or labia. It is important to recognize and treat anal warts if you have them, as the risk of developing cancer is high.  The time from exposure to the virus and growth of the warts is commonly from one to six months, but it can be longer. During that time the virus remains in the tissues but is inactive. There are many types of human papilloma virus; some cause warts on the hands and feet and others cause genital and anal warts.

Tags: Anal Warts, anogenital warts

Peri-anal warts are a serious condition – with multiple treatment options.  There is a significant risk of developing anal cancer if these are not treated.  In fact, this risk may be greater than the risk of developing cervical cancer (which is what PAP smears check for.)  Though we typically do not test for the presence of HPV on the penis, it is very important to check for HPV in and around the anus in patients at risk (ie: those who have had anal sex).

Since it is difficult to examine yourself in this area, it is most important for you to get examined by a physician if you feel any growth, bump, roughness, or experience any bleeding from the area.

Tags: anal sex, anal wart, condyloma, peri-anal, perianal, warts

Getting treatment for genital warts or HPV is important.  Doctors can burn, freeze, cut or scrape away unsightly bumps.  The virus associated with HPV stays in the body like other viruses do.  Just like cold sores a new eruption can happen without a repeat exposure.  Someone who doesn’t have visible warts can still give someone else the virus during unprotected sexual contact.  While antibiotics can treat some sexual transmitted infections getting treated for genital warts does not constitute a cure.  Some cases of warts don’t progress at all.  Others grow to be big, painful and even disfiguring. 

Most patients are happy to have the growths treated and there partners or new prospective partners wont see the warts.  A responsible adult should use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections, HIV and warts. 

While we can make the warts disappear there is no guarantee the warts won’t have the last laugh.

Tags: cure for warts, genital warts, warts

Tags: gardasil, hpv

Searched Twitter for genital warts: http://tinyurl.com/a5w386

Tags: twitter

My wart schpeel
I see a fair number patient consults for “rule-out HPV” or “rule-out warts.”  The typical scenario is the following:

A woman goes to her gynecologist for a routine Pap smear and is told that the results came back positive for HPV.  She is then told by her doctor to have her male partner “checked-out.”
What does all that mean and what really happened at that patient’s doctor visit?

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Tags: HPV Infection and transmission, Penile Warts, Wart infections

“It’s not what you brought to the party—it’s what you left with.” If an electronic postcard bearing this or a similar slogan lands in your E-mail inbox, don’t just click it to your trash bin. The message might be a warning that you’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.

Want to send your friend this important message?  Not sure how to share the news?  Although telling someone in person is probably the best – sending an inSPOT may be better than nothing.  Though… i wonder if there is receipt confirmation???

Tags: ecard, sharing the news

Genital Warts are among the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases, but people lack the right information to help prevent or treat this condition. Clear, correct, updated information regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts is difficult to find. The result is that a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding genital warts abound. In some cases, these mistaken beliefs may even do harm. Inaccurate information may have several physical and emotional ramifications on the sufferer. For instance, he/she may suffer from severe anxiety over his/her condition, doubt the faithfulness of his/her partner, undergo an expensive and painful treatment that could otherwise have been avoided, or worst of all, neglect having his/her condition treated and risk his/her health.

This article tackles the most common misconceptions and busts these myths in order to make more people understand genital warts and HPV better.

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Tags: myths, penis, photo, Shaft, warts

Genital warts can be transmitted during oral sex.  Warts can grow in the mouth and in the throat – causing discomfort, pain, trouble swallowing, bleeding, and sometimes cancer.  Similarly, if your partner has warts in their mouth/throat – they can give you HPV.

In short – if you have warts on your penis, or in your mouth – get treatment!  It isn’t something you want to share.

Tags: contageous, oral cancer, oral sex, warts in mouth, warts in throat