Genital warts are small smooth benign tumors that appear in or around genital areas. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are termed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is spread through genital skin contact during sexual activities like vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Condoms are used for protection but if the uncovered skin of an infected person gets into contact with that of a healthy partner, the virus is spread. Its symptoms are:

• Skin-colored bumps that might appear whitish
• Several bumps that look like a cauliflower (or just one bump might appear)
• The bumps might get itchy (although not all do)
• During intercourse, bleeding might occur

Note: It is not a must that genital warts will be visible. They might take on the skin color and become invisible.

How Long Does It Take for Genital Warts to Disappear?

If one is infected with genital warts, probably the big question that disturbs them most is how long does it take for genital warts to be treated fully. Below are the main treatment options that one might opt to follow.

1. Medical treatment

A doctor can have different treatment methods. They range from prescription medicines, topical treatments, and minor surgical procedures. But the removal of these warts does not happen evenly to all. Patient response to treatment differs depending on the type of HPV virus that caused their infection, the number of warts, their size, and the body's immune ability to fight the virus. Treatment might take weeks or months. It is important to understand that HPV is a virus and not a bacterium, meaning that the virus cannot be killed, but warts caused by HPV can. This is the reason warts might recur even after treatment.

2. Natural treatments

There are people who dislike the use of over-the-counter medications or doctors' visits. Secondly, there is a probability that warts might reappear, so using natural methods or home remedies under doctor's advice can be a good option. But it might be risky to use home remedies meant for other body parts warts to treat genital warts.

3. What if one goes without treatments?:

• Will genital warts disappear by themselves? Yes, they do, sometimes. Although, much depends on the personal immune ability to fight HPV. If your immune system is strong enough, and there is no other infection interfering with it, warts can disappear by themselves.
  
  

• What might happen if warts are left untreated?: As noted above, body immunity determines how long genital warts will last. If left untreated, warts might take months or years to disappear. On the other hand, the result might not be pleasing. The virus might cause warts to grow bigger or increase in number. Additionally, they might not cause pain or an itching sensation but the discomfort will be irritating. It is best to visit a doctor for diagnosis and specific treatments.

Examples of Perfect Wart Treatments

Through wart treatment, one can avoid pain, irritation, reduce the spread of HPV virus and probably get an answer to how long will genital warts last. Additionally, sometimes natural treatments might be risky, so professional medical treatment is advisable.

1. Medication

• Imiquimod: Imiquimod is an ointment type of medicine applied to the war-stricken area. It is applied three days during a week (at least) for a period of three months. Imiquimod is more effective in men than in women. Additionally, it improves body immunity. Some of Imiquimod's side effects are burning sensation, swelling and redness on the affected areas, itching, and scabby and flaky skin.
  
  

• Podofilox (Condylox): This is a plant-based cream used genital warts treatment. It is used twice a day for three continuous days. After that, the skin is left to rest for the other four remaining days of the week. One might have to repeat the application before results are seen. Side effects are the pain, inflammation, swelling, sores, and blisters.
  
  

• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): This a chemical that is used to burn internal and external warts, but it can be painful.
  
  

• Sinecatechins (Veregen): This cream is extracted from green tea and is applied as per doctor's prescription. For best results, apply it three times every day for four months. Its side effects include itching, burning sensation, pain, and redness, but it is very effective.

2. Surgeries

• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is an answer that involves the use of frozen liquid nitrogen. The liquid is used to form a blister around warts. When the blister falls off, it takes the wart with it.
  
  

• Electrocautery: This procedure is done by a surgeon whereby an electrical current is used to dry the wart-affected tissues which are then scraped off. It is a painful procedure but regional or general anesthesia is used. Healing might take up to six weeks.
  
  

• Surgical excision: A surgery is done whereby the wart-affected areas are operated on and cut off. Anesthesia is still used to help relieve the pain.
  
  

• Laser surgery: This is considered best for warts that have proven unresponsive to other treatment options or are in inaccessible areas. A strong light beam is used to destroy warts. It is the most expensive and painful option and is mostly used as the last resort. Scarring, soreness, and bleeding are additional side effects.
  
  

Warts might not be very dangerous, but their presence indicates HPV. Note, HPV can cause cancer thus immediate treatment is essential. In spite of the above guideline, medical advice from a doctor should not be ignored but considered for the best results to be realized.