Genital Warts

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. Podophyllotoxin (brand name: Warticon, Condyline) is a toxin that disrupts reproduction of the abnormal cells.

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 products for genital warts that I can use after treatment?

Yes, there are two types of natural ingredient-based topical products (gel or ointment) that you can apply to the treated area. 

Papilocare® external genital gel  is a gel that consists of natural ingredients that are proven to reduce abnormal cells, improve immune response and create protective environment for the skin. Extract of green tea is also sometimes used for its anti-oxidative and anti-viral effect.

In addition, there are a number of oral food supplements that can support tissue healing, virus eradication and protection against infection. Papilocare Immunocaps® is an example and it consists of most extensive range of natural ingredients that are clinically proven for healing and anti-infective effects. These products can be taken by itself or in addition to the topic product you choose.

How can Papilocare® external genital gel help?

Papilocare® external genital gel  is a non-hormonal gel to help treat abnormal tissue 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. Its main ingredient, coriolus versicolor, is a medicinal mushroom widely used in Chinese medicine for its immune stimulating effect. The gel also contains Neem and centella asiatica that have tissue repair. Finally, Papilocare® external genital gel   includes alpha and beta-glucans that can nurture beneficial microbes, rebalancing the natural protective environment and boosting the body’s local immune response. The multiple natural ingredients in Papilocare® external genital gel  work together to support tissue healing and 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.

How can Papilocare® Immunocaps help?

Papilocare® Immunocaps is a food supplement with a unique formula which works to strengthen the body’s natural defences for women with human papillomavirus (HPV) and other genital infections. It can help to improve the natural protective environment, enhance the immune system and promote the clearance of HPV. Papilocare® Immunocaps is based on Reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum, a medical mushroom traditionally used in Chinese medicine) with clinically proven antioxidative and immune-boosting properties.  It also includes a powerful combination of probiotics, an advanced form of folate (folic acid), which helps prevent abnormal cells to grow, anti-oxidants and a complete multivitamin mineral complex.

Learn more about Papilocare® Immunocaps and Papilocare® external genital gel. 

For more information about genital warts, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/