Warts are a great scourge, a source of embarrassment and frustration and all of these sentiments are doubled, even tripled, if they occur in your genital area. The fact is, millions of Americans get HPV or the virus which causes genital warts and most have the same problem, how to get rid of genital warts.

Because genital warts are obviously embarrassing, most sufferers wouldn’t dare just ask anyone for help, some times, even their own doctors. . Thus, many infected individuals tend to suffer in secret. This is a big predicament as genital warts that are left untreated will definitely grow worse and spread out all over the crotch area, usually in cauliflower-like growths which is very unsightly.

Most people would then resort to home treatments which if not administered properly will make the situation even worse. You should also be extra careful in choosing over the counter drugs to treat genital warts. Since the warts are located in a very sensitive area, you should choose a medication that suits the genital area. Most of the medications and drugs available in the market or in drugstores are for common warts. It would be best to look for a drug or medicine that is exclusively for genital warts. If you’re careless, your genital warts will surely get worse. If you use medicines, drugs, or topical solutions that contain acidic ingredients, it could cause more harm than good.

So the best move one can do is to first see a doctor. This way, your condition will be properly diagnosed and you will be able to find a treatment that will be effective for you. Diagnosis is always the first step before treatment.

Usually, depending on the area and the severity of the outbreak, a doctor will prescribe a topical cream to be applied to the affected area. There are various brands being sold in the market today and each topical cream has their own varying strengths. Your doctor will be able to tell you how much cream you will apply and how often. Topical creams work by loosening and shrinking the warts and eventually let them fall off.

Other more invasive means that a doctor may recommend are:

• Cryotherapy – This is a procedure wherein a doctor will use a solution of liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts. It can be somewhat uncomfortable but there is little pain involved. This is an effective treatment for genital warts and it usually requires three sessions.

• Electrocautery – this method will require a doctor to insert a fine needle which will be inserted to the wart and will send low electric currents to kill the wart and let it eventually fall off. There is some pain involved and some may require anesthetic to be applied.

• Laser – a more expensive means of removing genital warts. Not all medical centers offer this option, but it is also highly effective.

• Surgery – A sure means in ridding genital warts, this is the most invasive of all procedures. A doctor will literally slice off the warts and this is only for last resort if the warts don’t respond to the other treatments. This may take a longer time to heal and can be very uncomfortable.

All these treatments mentioned are effective in getting rid of warts. But you have to understand that they don’t kill the virus itself. So, there is still the possibility that the warts will return. For the meantime though, you already have an idea on how to get rid of genital warts.