Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection, or STI, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In this article we look at what causes genital warts, how long they last and how they are removed or treated. We also look at natural treatments that can work alongside conventional treatment: Papilocare® external genital gel, and Papilocare® Immunocaps, a supplement which strengthens the body’s natural defences against HPV.
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are small, fleshy growths or lumps which can appear anywhere on the genital areas in men and women. They can appear around the vagina, on the penis or anus, or on the area between the genitals and anus, known as the perineum. They often have a rough appearance, and can vary in colour.
How do you get genital warts?
They are caused by HPV, which is a very common virus, and are passed on by sex or sexual contact. The virus can be passed on from someone who has no symptoms, and no visible warts.
The time it takes from being in contact with the virus and getting visible warts varies a lot. In some people, warts can appear a month after being exposed to HPV. In other people it can take much longer for warts to appear. This means you may never know when or from whom you caught the virus.
How long do genital warts last?
Sometimes genital warts disappear by themselves within a few months. But if you still have HPV in your body, the warts may return. For most people, the body’s own immune system will clear the warts and HPV within two years.
However, if left untreated, genital warts can grow, cluster or become uncomfortable.
How are they treated?
A doctor – either at a sexual health clinic or your GP – will tell you if they recommend treatment.
Treatments include:
- Surgery to remove the warts by cutting them out, or using heat or a laser
- Freezing
- Treatment with chemicals in the form of cream, liquid or ointment.
Treatment sometimes has to be repeated a few times to work, can take some time, and may not be successful.
Will the warts come back?
Sometimes the warts will come back after treatment. Treatment aims to get rid of the overgrowth of skin (the wart) that is caused by the virus. But it doesn’t get rid of the virus, which goes on living inside your skin. This is why warts often return following treatment.
For most people, the body’s own immune system will eventually clear the virus that is causing the warts. But this natural immune process can take about two years or more.
Are there natural treatments for genital warts?
Yes, there are two natural treatments that can help speed up recovery from genital warts, Papilocare® external genital gel and Papilocare Immunocaps.
How can Papilocare external genital gel help?
Papilocare® external genital gel is a non-hormonal gel to help treat genital warts caused by HPV in men and women. Its patented formula, based on seven natural ingredients, moisturises and helps restore normal hydrated and elastic tissue affected by the virus in the external genital area, favouring the body’s natural healing process. It also works by rebalancing the natural protective environment and boosting the body’s local immune response. In this way it works to help prevent the warts from recurring.
The gel is for women and men 18 years old or older who have HPV-related genital warts (known as condylomas) that have already been treated medically or surgically, for example with laser surgery.
Learn more about Papilocare® external genital gel.
How can Papilocare Immunocaps help?
Papilocare® Immunocaps is a food supplement with a unique formula which works to strengthen the body’s natural defences against HPV. Immunocaps contains reishi, a mushroom extract used for 2,000 years as an Asian herbal remedy, with reported health benefits, including evidence for the way it supports the immune system to help clear HPV.
Immunocaps can help normalise the functions of the immune system, rebalance the natural protective environment of the vagina (microbiota) and improve the vaginal mucosa, creating an environment prepared to clear HPV naturally from the body. It is recommended for men and women who have genital warts.
Learn more about Papilocare® Immunocaps.
Papilocare® external genital gel and Papilocare® Immunocaps work hand in hand to support your body’s resilience and help prevent HPV-related genital warts from coming back after treatment.
For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/