10 Ways To Treat And Avoid Genital Warts

Getting infected with genital warts happens to about one million sexually active people in the United States each year, with some being left undiagnosed. But thankfully, genital warts are typically easily treatable and some can even be handled at home.

Read on to learn methods to get rid of genital warts that you can discuss with your primary healthcare provider, starting with…  

10. Creams and Ointments

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Various topical creams are usually prescribed as immediate remedies for genital warts. Examples of these are imiquimod, fluorouracil, sinecatechins, and podofilox. However, the American Family Physician warns of possible side effects of these ointments and creams, so it is advisable to talk about using them with your pharmacist first.

On the other hand, Mother Nature offers a more organic approach to wart management…

9. Tea Tree Oil

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While research is still scant regarding the effects of applying tea tree oil on genital warts, this oil is widely known for its antiviral and cleansing properties that strengthen the body’s immune system to combat many pathogens.

Our next remedy has long been an antidote against viruses…

8. Green Tea

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The use of green tea as a health tonic transcends centuries and cultures. A study published in the American Family Physician journal offers evidence that drinking green tea is a powerful agent in helping treat genital warts.

Not only does this wonder ingredient spice up dishes, but it works wonders for our health too…

7. Garlic

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Some research shows the efficacy of garlic in treating genital warts, particularly in males. The recommended option is to mix a crushed clove of garlic with water and apply it on the wart daily for about three weeks; be sure to discuss this method first with your primary healthcare provider.

When easy DIY remedies won’t work, drastic measures are used…

6. Laser Removal

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Laser wart removal is a common recourse when other remedies have failed. The procedure makes use of a laser to remove the clusters of warts in the affected areas. While it may be a common treatment to this condition, doctors warn of its pros and cons, including cost and potential scarring.

This next method freezes genital warts in its tracks, literally….

5. Cryotherapy

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Freezing is also a possible way to get rid of genital warts. In a procedure called cryotherapy, a doctor makes use of liquid nitrogen and applies them to the warts. The coldness of this substance freezes and eliminates the warts.

The following has also shown remarkable results…

4. Duct Tape Occlusion Therapy

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As the name implies, this therapy involves the layers of the wart being ripped off using a strip of duct tape. A 2002 study claims that duct tape is more effective than other methods, such as cryotherapy and laser removal. As with other remedies on this list, always discuss your options first with your primary healthcare provider.

Sometimes you just have to cut things out of your life…

3. Surgery

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Going under the knife to get rid of genital warts is always a popular option. Excisions are usually made to remove the warts on the vagina, penis, and the anus, while loop electrosurgical excisions are performed when the warts are in the cervix.

Having a healthy body is its own line of defense against infections…

2. Eating A Healthy Diet

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Eating a healthy diet speeds up healing from genital warts. Antioxidant-rich foods (strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash, etc.) and vegetables that contain indole-3-carbinol (cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflowers) have shown to help clear out the warts faster.

Lastly, you can never go wrong when you do the following…

1. Practicing Safer Sex

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Using protection while doing the deed cuts down your risk of getting infected from any STIs (aka STDs) by a long shot. Being on PEP helps decrease the chances too, as well as mutual, honest disclosure of each other’s sexual health and history. 

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