The Best At-Home STD Kits for 2024

Confirming Genital Wart Symptoms And Starting Treatment

Genital warts, often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are a visible indicator of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both men and women.

Common symptoms include small, skin-colored bumps or clusters that may be itchy or cause discomfort. In males, genital warts can appear on the penis, scrotum, or groin area, while in females, they can develop on the vulva, cervix, or vaginal walls.

This article will explain genital wart symptoms, what they mean, and how to treat them.

A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like "female," "male," "woman," and "man" as the sources use them.

Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Could I Have Genital Warts?

A diagnosis of genital warts involves examining the genital area for any unusual growths, bumps, or changes in skin texture. Your healthcare provider can help distinguish genital warts from other similar-looking conditions, such as:

Skin tags are small, soft skin growths that have been described as looking "like a deflated balloon on a stalk." They are usually harmless and not sexually transmitted.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that can cause small, round bumps on the skin. Like genital warts, molluscum contagiosum can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

Fordyce spots are small, raised, yellowish or skin-colored bumps that can appear on the genitals or other parts of the body. They are a type of sebaceous gland and are not caused by STIs.

Pearly penile papules are, in males, small, noncancerous, dome-shaped bumps that can appear on the penis. They usually occur during adolescence or early adulthood and are not related to sexually transmitted infections.

Seborrheic keratosis are noncancerous growths that can appear on the skin as white, brown, or black and like warty, stuck-on lesions. They are more common in older adults and are not sexually transmitted.

Also, some STIs, such as herpes and syphilis, may appear similar to genital warts but need different treatment.

If you notice any unusual growths or changes in your genital area, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. They can help differentiate between genital warts and other conditions.

Symptoms in Women

Understanding the symptoms of genital warts in women is crucial for early detection and proper management. Below are key characteristics of genital warts that women may experience:

Location: Genital warts can appear in various locations around the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, perineum, and around the anus.

Appearance: They typically manifest as small, skin-colored, or slightly darker bumps that may be raised or flat. These warts can occur singly or in clusters and have a cauliflower-like or rough texture.

Sensation: Genital warts often cause no physical discomfort. However, some women may experience itching or irritation around affected areas.

Symptoms in Men

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.Org 2023

In both men and women, genital wart symptoms can take several weeks, months, or even years to show up. They also tend to appear similarly in men and women. Below are key characteristics outlining the symptoms of genital warts in men:

Location: Genital warts can appear on various parts of the male genitalia, including the penis, scrotum, groin area, and around the anus.

Appearance: They typically manifest as small, skin-colored, or darker bumps that may be raised or flat. These warts can occur singly or in clusters and have a cauliflower-like or rough texture.

Sensation: Genital warts may not cause any physical discomfort. As in women, men may experience itching, irritation, or a burning sensation around the wart-affected areas.

It is important to remember that both men and women can have the HPV virus and not have genital wart symptoms. But they can still transmit the virus to others during sexual contact.

What Do Genital Warts Mean?

Genital warts are small growths or bumps that appear on the genital area as a result of an HPV infection. You can get genital warts from vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. Genital warts can vary in size and appearance, often resembling cauliflower-like clusters, and are considered a type of STI.

Warts can sometimes go away on their own, but treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and to alleviate symptoms.

In most cases (nine out of 10), HPV naturally clears from the body within two years without causing health issues but can develop into genital warts or even cancer.

What's the Difference Between STIs and STDs?

"STI" stands for "sexually transmitted infection." The distinction between an STI and a "sexually transmitted disease (STD)" or "STD" is often a source of confusion, but in reality, they refer to the same concept. Regardless of the terminology used, both terms refer to infections transmitted through sexual activity. Many STIs remain in the infection stage, often without noticeable symptoms, and can be effectively treated or cured before causing significant harm. Therefore, the use of "infection" rather than "disease" is more fitting when discussing many sexually transmitted conditions.

Cancer Risk

HPV increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers. These cancers can grow very slowly and may not result in a diagnosis for many years or decades later.

About 10% of women with HPV infection on their cervix develop longer-lasting HPV infections that put them at higher risk for cervical cancer. For men, HPV can also lead to penile cancers.

HPV infections that don't go away can also cause anal and oropharyngeal (cancer in the back of the throat) in both men and women.

Recurring Symptoms

The human papillomavirus can remain in the body even after treatment, which increases the recurrence of genital warts. It's essential for individuals with a history of genital warts to maintain regular follow-ups with healthcare providers and take preventive measures to manage the risk of recurrence.

How to Treat Genital Warts

It's important to note that no treatment can completely cure HPV, but treatments can help manage and remove visible warts. There are several treatments available for genital warts, including:

Topical treatments: Over-the-counter creams or gels containing ingredients like imiquimod, podofilox, or sinecatechins can be applied directly to the warts to help eliminate them.

Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the warts using liquid nitrogen, which causes them to fall off.

Electrocautery: Warts can be removed using a low-voltage electrical current to burn them off.

Surgical removal: In some cases, warts may need to be surgically removed, especially if they are large or not responding to other treatments.

Laser treatment: This involves using a laser to destroy the warts.

Sexual Health and Genital Warts

Genital warts are primarily caused by infection with certain strains of HPV, which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Anyone can get genital warts, but some of the main risk factors for developing them are:

Unprotected sex, since the correct use of condoms can minimize (but not completely eliminate) the risk of HPV

Having multiple sexual partners, which can increase the risk of exposure to HPV

A weakened immune system since individuals with weakened immune systems due to infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or taking immunosuppressive drugs are more susceptible to HPV infections and more severe or persistent genital warts

Starting sexual activity at a young age, which can increase the risk of HPV exposure

It's important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing genital warts, not everyone exposed to HPV will develop visible warts. Some individuals may be carriers of the virus without showing any symptoms.

Preventing genital warts involves adopting proactive measures, including:

Consistent condom use

Dental dams

Limiting sexual partners

Regular STI screenings

HPV vaccination

Open communication with sexual partners about sexual health history, STI testing, and protection methods

The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent infection with certain strains of HPV, specifically those associated with genital warts and various cancers such as cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers.

By providing immunity against these high-risk HPV types, the vaccine helps protect individuals from developing HPV-related health issues.

Summary

Genital warts are caused by HPV, which is a type of STI. Recognizing the symptoms, seeking prompt diagnosis and treatment, and adopting preventive measures such as regular STI screenings and HPV vaccination are crucial steps in managing genital warts and maintaining sexual health.

Open communication with healthcare providers and sexual partners can further enhance awareness and prevention efforts against HPV and its associated health risks. If you or a loved one has symptoms of genital warts, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options right for you.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.

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Opinion: Congenital Syphilis Is Increasing. Women Of Color Should Be Concerned.

Silva is a pediatrician and newborn hospitalist in La Jolla and lives in Rancho Peñasquitos.

In California, the number of babies born with syphilis (congenital syphilis) is increasing rapidly, reaching rates not seen in nearly two decades. This growing number of cases brings along a 40 percent risk for infant death or life-long health problems. In 2021, California was ranked 11th for the highest congenital syphilis rates of all states. The good news is that syphilis is treatable and curable, even during pregnancy, making congenital syphilis 100 percent preventable.

When we look at the dramatic increase in the congenital syphilis rates, it could be difficult to understand how a preventable and treatable disease, and one that is relatively inexpensive to detect and treat during pregnancy, is increasing. However, it's important to look at the history of women's reproductive health, rights/freedoms, and access to care and health equity when addressing rates of congenital syphilis.

When looking at reproductive rights and whether women have equitable access, legal access, insurance that covers specific reproductive care, or health insurance at all, we will see a longstanding history of barriers to access reproductive care. It is then that we can begin to understand why preventable diseases and diseases that should be classified as "never events" re-emerge.

It hasn't always been easy for women to receive medical care, especially care during pregnancy, where we can have the largest impact on congenital syphilis cases. According to March of Dimes, "access to care during pregnancy and around the time of birth is not consistently available across the country. In California, there was a 21.7 percent decrease in the number of birthing hospitals between 2019 and 2020." March of Dimes found 6.9 percent of California counties are defined as maternity care deserts. San Diego County is depicted as having full access to care, whereas Imperial County is classified as "low access."

However, what we are seeing in San Diego County is a different story. In 2021, Paradise Valley Hospital in National City closed its obstetric services. In 2023, Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside closed its labor and delivery and neonatal intensive care unit, and Scripps Mercy Chula Vista just announced the same. With the upcoming closure of birthing services at Scripps Mercy Chula Vista, it leaves Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center as the only hospital providing this service in the South Bay, an area with the largest Hispanic population in San Diego County.

Women face hurdle after hurdle fighting for reproductive rights, freedoms and basic health care — bureaucratic red tape; congressional laws and regulations blocking access to care and even banning types of reproductive care; protests and demonstrations in front of clinics; insurance not covering medications, tests or procedures; birthing centers closing; and shortages of providers. So it should be no wonder why women are not receiving proper medical treatment during pregnancy.

According to the Center For Reproductive Rights, "more than one-fifth of U.S. Women aged 15-44 have no health insurance," which means they would be paying out of pocket for prenatal care and all expenses associated.

We also need to address that these rates are further exacerbated by the racial inequities within health care. "Black women are 5.6 times more likely and Latinas/os are twice as likely to be infected with syphilis than White women." The Center For Reproductive Rights also noted that, "African-American infants are 16 times more likely and Latina/o babies are 10 times more likely than White babies to be diagnosed with syphilis at birth."

If women have regular prenatal visits, they will receive syphilis tests at least twice during their pregnancy. For those who may not have health insurance, live far from a health facility, have a language barrier, are unhoused or have other obstacles to access, it can be seen how the barriers begin to compound and diseases, such as congenital syphilis, increase.

One way to address these barriers to prenatal care access is spreading awareness about free sexually transmitted infection testing and pregnancy support. Many pregnant people may not be aware of the recommended syphilis testing and may be unaware that they are positive for the infection until their baby is delivered.

For those who live in maternity care deserts, such as those in Imperial County, March of Dimes stresses the importance of increasing the availability of telehealth services across health care specialties. Telehealth was wildly successful during the pandemic and can provide us with another touch point in reaching vulnerable populations and at least give them additional information and resources for accessing testing and treatment.

Every person should have access to quality, affordable health care regardless of race, sex, age, sexual orientation, religious preferences and any other factor. This is especially true when access to health care directly impacts the life of a child.

Taking The Waters: How Natural Springs Can Have Healing Benefits

For the stressed and overworked, there might be nothing more relaxing than a spa. Beyond the cucumber slices and hot towels, these leisurely destinations carry a fascinating legacy that extends back to ancient times. Bathing in mineral springs — a feature of many historic spas — has been considered a medical and therapeutic treatment throughout the ages, spawning the proverbial phrase "taking the waters". Today, this practice is known as balneotherapy. 

Some cities have made the most of mineral springs, building reputations as illustrious centers for spas. Though spas are often viewed as recreational spots and nothing more, their various incarnations around the world have developed significant cultural roles, thriving as staples of history and health tourism. 

The Healing History of Baths

In antiquity, the link between bathing and health usually carried a religious undercurrent. Egyptians submerged themselves in the Nile River, Israelites in the Jordan River, and Hindus in the Ganges River; all of these waters have a sacred history as places of spiritual healing.

Baths continued to have religious and therapeutic meaning in ancient Greece, where the concept of health was first tied to the deity Apollo because he represented the Sun, which was believed to have healing power. Apollo's divine progeny inherited this bond with health. His son, Asclepius, became known as a god of medicine, and among Asclepius' offspring was Hygeia, a goddess of health who gave rise to the word "hygiene". 

Archaeologists found the fragments of six sculptures representing Asclepius and his family at the Great Baths of Dion, part of a complex that was home to thermal baths in the 2nd and 3rd centuries C.E. Before an earthquake destroyed them.

The thermal baths of Dion featured a heating system called a hypocaust, which produced and circulated hot air below the floor. Hypocausts would later be used in Roman baths as well. (Credit: Shujaa_777/Shutterstock)

Asclepius also inspired the creation of temples used for worship and healing, known as Asclepieia. Water was likely a key feature of Asclepieia, since the temples were often built near sources of water such as natural springs and aquifers. 

Read More: A History of Bathing: It Hasn't Always Been About Hygiene

The First Spa Resorts: The Roman Thermae 

Following in the footsteps of their Greek neighbors, Romans made bathing a fundamental activity in daily life. However, it seemed to include a stronger emphasis on socialization and leisure, akin to today's spas. 

Public baths took the form of thermae, large and luxurious complexes, and balneae, smaller and simpler spaces that were scattered throughout Roman neighborhoods. 

Thermae embodied the imperial essence of the Roman Empire, grand in scale and embellished with stucco reliefs and mosaics. Surrounded by other amenities like libraries, shops, and lecture halls, they acted as a sort of proto-resort.

The elements of health and wellbeing were still promoted at thermae, which followed a structured process that moved visitors through multiple chambers. 

Visitors would often enter and undress in the apodyterium (think a changing or locker room).  They would then be anointed with oil and may have exercised immediately afterward in a court area. The three main bathing chambers, used in varying order, were the tepidarium (a warm room), the caldarium (a hot room), and the frigidarium (a cold room, often including a swimming pool). There were also two types of steam rooms, the laconicum (a dry heat room) and the sudatorium (a wet heat room with more steam). 

As the Roman Empire expanded across Europe, so did thermae. Remnants of these facilities have been left in Italy and other countries, such as France, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. Perhaps the most famous of all Roman baths lies in the aptly-named city of Bath, England, where Romans constructed a thermae near a natural spring around 70 C.E., early on in the Roman occupation of Britain. Having been updated in modern times, the Roman Baths make for an iconic tourist destination.

The Roman Baths in Bath, England attract over a million visitors every year. Though visitors aren't allowed to bathe in the waters, they can tour the baths and a museum with Roman artifacts. (Credit: Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock)

Thermae toppled along with the Roman Empire, but their spirit lived on through the Hammam, or Turkish Bath, in the Islamic world. These facilities adopted the thermae style of communal bathing, with multiple rooms to move through, while adding distinct aspects of Islamic tradition. 

The Rise of Spa Towns 

The natural springs once cherished by the Greeks and Romans were still visited despite thermae falling into disrepair. Public bathing ebbed during Medieval times due to bathhouses being associated with sex and the spread of syphilis, but spas eventually rose in popularity. 

The word "spa" actually comes from the Belgian city of Spa. Starting in the 16th century, the city's natural springs captured the attention of many who came to believe the water possessed healing powers. 

As spas grew, monarchs and aristocrats desired to "take the waters". Later, the wealthy bourgeoisie followed the trend in the 19th century, finally breathing life back into the social appeal of spas and making them fashionable.

By the turn of the 20th century, spas had become massive resorts enjoyed by middle-class visitors who arrived in crowds via train. Around World War II, however, people started to leave them behind for revolutionary innovations in entertainment, technology, and medicine. 

Despite this downward trend, the spa and thermal/mineral spring industries have survived into the 21st century and have even seen a renewed wave of revitalization. In 2021, UNESCO officially categorized 11 European cities as the Great Spa Towns of Europe, now a transnational World Heritage Site.  

Karlovy Vary, a city in the Czech Republic, is one of the 11 Great Spa Towns of Europe. Credit: (Jiri Vanicek/Shutterstock)

Other cultures outside of Europe enjoy quality spa time as well. In particular, Japan is famous for its picturesque "onsen", hot springs and the bathing facilities and inns around them.

The U.S. Also caught spa fever during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, though American spa towns don't quite boast the same renown as European ones. A well-known example of an American spa town is Hot Springs, Arkansas, known for Bathhouse Row. Although most of the bathhouses here do not operate as traditional bathing facilities anymore, there are still some opportunities for visitors to soak in warm water and unwind.  

Read More: Aqueducts: How Ancient Rome Brought Water to Its People

Do Natural Springs Have Health Benefits?

After all this talk about spas and springs, you may be wondering: does "taking the waters" really improve your health?

In a few ways, it appears so, but don't expect mineral water to be a cure-all for any affliction, as proposed by the affluent spa patrons of old who tended to latch onto pseudoscience.

Balneotherapy has been shown to impart certain physical and mental benefits, particularly for those with musculoskeletal diseases. A 2021 study found that balneotherapy seemed to improve the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Studies have suggested that balneotherapy can improve cardiovascular function and reduce hypertension since being exposed to a hot spring bath lowers blood pressure and reduces stiffness of the arteries. However, for those with more serious heart-related issues, it is recommended to talk with a doctor before going to a hot spring. Sudden or prolonged immersion in hot water can elevate heart rate, causing cardiovascular stress depending on one's condition. Also crucial to remember is that sitting in a hot spring for too long can lead to hyperthermia (overheating of the body) and heat stroke. 

Balneotherapy may boost skin health and improve inflammation, and it has been used to treat certain conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. This is largely due to the mineral composition of spring water, which contains varying amounts of sulfur, manganese, magnesium, zinc, selenium, strontium, silica, and calcium bicarbonate. 

Along with the physical benefits, soaking in a spa may also lower stress and improve mental health, as shown in a 2023 Japanese study. 

While the healing properties of mineral springs, once hailed as a magic solution for any ailment, have been overstated in centuries past, it seems that some benefits potentially exist. So if you're in need of a pick-me-up, treat yourself to a spa day and give your mind and body the relaxation they need.

Read More: Why Are Humans So Drawn to Water?

Article Sources:

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