Genital warts in men: causes and prevention
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, affecting both men and women. Although this problem is not as widespread as other venereal diseases, it is necessary to know more about its causes and symptoms.
Genital warts appear as a result of the contagion of Human papilloma virus, which is also known as HPV. This virus is transmitted very easily when there is contact with the skin of an infected person. Therefore, in this article we will also tell you the ways to prevent and reduce the risk of contact.
Why do genital warts appear?
The genital warts they are a consequence of the human papilloma virus. This virus has a large number of varieties, although not all of them cause genital warts.
This virus can be on our skin for a long time until the symptoms begin to manifest. That is, you may be infected and not appear warts until a few months or even years later.
How do men get genital warts?
As we mentioned, this is a condition that occurs through sexual contact. This is why these genital warts are also known as venereal warts. Therefore, the most common place in which warts appear is in the penis or in nearby areas such as the testicles, groin and anus.
Its appearance can resemble a cauliflower, be flat or bulky. Genital warts feel soft to the touch, often can be detected with the naked eye.
This occurs because the HPV infection is due to contact with the skin of an infected person during sexual intercourse. Although using a condom is essential as a method of protection, unfortunately this only protects the contact of the penis with the skin of the other person, and not so the rest of the surrounding areas.
When contact occurs through a receptive anal sexual relationship, the risk of contagion is greater. Also in oral sex, contagion can occur if the virus is present in the partner's genitals. This can lead to the appearance of venereal warts in the mouth, lips, tongue, palate and throat.
It is important to bear in mind that some varieties of the Human Papillomavirus - although not those that generate warts - are causing some forms of cancer. In men there is cancer of the penis, anal cancer and oropharyngeal cancer (back of the throat, tonsils or lower part of the tongue).
How can men protect themselves from the spread of genital or venereal warts?
The main recommendations for men have to do with avoiding direct contact with the areas of greatest risk as much as possible. For example, as we said something before, with using condoms to have vaginal, anal or oral relationships.
In case of performing oral sex on a woman to be able to have protection, it is recommended to cut a condom for oral sex with a pair of scissors, so that there is a rectangle of latex that we will place over the vagina to avoid direct contact with the mouth.
In case of having anal intercourse, the other man should use a condom. Remember that to prevent genital warts as for other sexually transmitted diseases the condom should be placed before the first contact and used until the end of the relationship.
It is also suggested to reduce the risk of infection, reduce the number of sexual partners or avoid having sex with people who practice sex in an unsafe manner. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
