Making The Most Of Your Cosmetic Procedure

Genital warts can be an unfortunate consequence of a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. You're not alone, since some 75 to 80% of sexually active Americans will be infected with HPV during their lifetime. Many people only notice that they've been infected with HPV after the appearance of genital warts, but these can actually be rather easy to overlook. You probably don't consider your anus as part of your genitals, but warts can easily develop there too.

Around the Back

Warts around your anus are classified as genital warts, but their location means you might not immediately be aware that they've erupted. They can appear as a result of penetrative anal sex, but not exclusively. So, even if you've never had anal sex, HPV can cause warts to develop in this part of your body.

Self-Examination

The development of these warts can be difficult to detect since a visual inspection of this part of your body isn't quite so straightforward. Itchiness is a key sign of the development of anal warts, and you should be able to feel their mass beneath your fingertips. If you suspect that you have genital warts, a self-examination is easier while you're having a shower. What happens if you should feel these bumps beneath your fingertips?

Diagnosing Anal Warts

You need to see a doctor without too much delay. While a visual inspection can confirm the presence of warts, your doctor may wish to perform a biopsy to rule out any other causes. Once it's a certainty that these are anal warts, STD treatment can commence.

Your Immune System

Unfortunately, there's no cure for HPV. That being said, your immune system can often banish the infection of its own accord, even though this can take several years. It's unknown whether the virus is truly eradicated or has simply become undetectable. It can flare up in the interim, leading to a recurrence of your anal warts. The treatment has a topical aim, which can remove warts, even though the underlying virus cannot be eliminated with treatment. What can actually be done for your anal warts?

Treatment 

You may receive a topical ointment (such as imiquimod) that will stimulate your immune system while helping to alleviate any discomfort caused by warts. This is most efficient with smaller outbreaks. Larger outbreaks require a different form of intervention, and these can be surgically removed or cauterized under local anesthesia. 

Problematic anal warts certainly require medical assistance, and it might be that you will have to deal with further flare-ups in the years to come until your HPV is truly dormant.

To learn more about STD treatment, contact a medical health professional in your area.