How to Decrease the Spreading of Genital Warts
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). They are also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminate. Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The Mayo Clinic states that two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with an infected person will contract this STD within three months. Even with treatment, the virus usually remains and it can come back. You can do several things to minimize your chances of contracting or spreading genital warts.
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Things You'll Need
- Topical treatments
- Gardasil vaccination (if female younger than 26)
- Condom
Instructions
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If you have contracted genital warts, talk to your doctor about appropriate treatments so you can avoid infecting others. Several topical treatments are available. Do not attempt to treat this condition on your own with over-the-counter wart medications. They are not appropriate for the skin in the genital area. Ask your doctor when it is safe to engage in sexual intercourse again.
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Use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse. It cannot guarantee 100 percent protection but it reduces your risk of contacting genital warts or other STDs significantly.
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Refrain from sex if you or your partner have warts that have not been treated yet.
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Consider receiving the Gardasil vaccination if you are a female younger than the age of 26. It cannot guarantee you will never get this STD but it offers protection against two HPV strains that cause 90 percent of genital warts. It is most effective if you are not sexually active at the time of vaccination.
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