Caused by a strain of the human papilloma virus, male genital warts are unsightly but fortunately relatively easy to treat. A topical gel sold under the brand-name Condylox provides quick relief.
Millions of adults in the United States suffer from the strain of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes genital warts. The sad thing about this widespread sexually transmitted disease is that it can be very embarrassing to live with, and as a direct result, many people choose to ignore the symptoms and forgo conventional treatment.
Females are at even greater risk if infected with HPV, as it can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. HPV can often lie dormant in the skin for months and even years, surfacing when least expected. And leaving many to wonder when and from whom they contracted the virus. Many people are unaware they carry the virus until they have an outbreak.
Where Genital Warts Form
HPV is spread either through direct skin contact or fluid transfer during sexual contact, and it can show up in distinct patterns. Generally, genital warts will initially make their appearance on and around the male genitals including the tip of the penis, the shaft of the penis, around the testicles and the scrotal sack, in and around the urethra, and in and around the rectum. HPV is not limited to just the genital area, however. Warts can form on the lips, in and around the mouth, and can also develop on most other areas of the epidermis, but is most often found on the genitals and near the rectum.
Genital warts appear as external growths of dead skin cells, much like a malignant tumor. Most often they will start off as small red dots on the skin that look much like razor-burn (commonly associated with shaving). These small red dots itch and can be painful and even bleed. Over time and if left untreated, these dots will grow into small, cauliflower like masses of skin that protrude from the surface, and are similar in appearance to common warts. General symptoms include pain, itching, bleeding, and general discomfort in the affected areas. HPV is highly contagious and can even be transferred from one infected individual to another simply by sharing a towel that has infected skin cells on its surface.
Signs and Symptoms
• You have sex with an infected person who later tells you that she or he has contracted the virus.
• Red spots surface near the penis and the rectum that are sensitive to touch and frequently itch, burn, or bleed.
• You find cauliflower-like masses of skin growing in your pubic region.
• What you thought was a skin rash has not cleared up after several days, and now the bumps are growing in size and very sensitive to the touch.
Treatment Options
Historically, there have been only limited treatment options for genital warts in males. These included over-the-counter topical gels, which had limited effectiveness, and liquid nitrogen therapy. The latter involves freezing the warts, an often-painful procedure, and requires embarrassing visits to a doctor. Thankfully, there are now easy, painless, nonintrusive methods to treat your genital warts. Today the treatment of choice for male genital warts is Condylox, a highly effective topical gel. Available by prescription only, Condylox can be purchased at your local pharmacy.
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