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STD of the month: on genital and anal warts
By Joseph E.
This type of STD (Sexually transmitted disease) is caused by a virus, in fact a couple dozens of the species of the virus causing warts, they thrive in the genital and anal areas. The virus is transmitted upon direct contact with the infected area, this is most likely to be during sex, and even protected sex with an infected individual is highly risky. Also it can be transmitted through indirect contact, in such cases as sharing a bathroom or a towel with a person carrying the virus.
The warts start out as little growths often mistaken to be pimples, the key to know is that they are reddish with a white head, they grow rapidly in size and number, and they usually cause an itchy feeling. In later stages some bleeding often using the bathroom occurs. In advanced stages anal warts are often misdiagnosed to be hemorrhoids.
Treatments are available; you just have to seek help from a dermatologist or a colon and rectum surgeon. Don’t hesitate to treat or seek help, an early diagnoses is the key to healthier body. And remember to be honest as much as you can with your doctor, for it’s not a crime not to be heterosexual in Jordan, if you're not comfortable or don’t want to out yourself, just claim that you share a bathroom with your roommate. Treatments include:
-Surgical removal; best advised for advanced cases.
-Chemical burning or freezing; often used upon early detection.
-Laser removal.
The last three methods require less down time for recovery and could be done as an outpatient procedure in the doctor's clinic. the warts might come back , especially in the first three months period , so be patient and persistent and you’ll get rid of them (warts-free), It’s also possible for the virus to live in tissues for as long as two years with no symptoms so be careful at all times, and body checks are always a yearly must.
Prevention is key for all STD’s, first of all always play it safe; use condoms at all times even in a committed relationship or even if it’s not full intercourse, i.e. soft sex. Also choosing your sex partner(s) is a smart move. Monogamy is advised, but when still in the dating faze be careful not to jump in bed with someone you hardly know, and don’t shy away from asking about the person's health and sexual past. People who have many sexual partners are best to take extra care, if during sex you see anything strange or feel something not right, tell the person, stop the action, and ask him/her about it and also to see a doctor. Surely general good health, strong immunity and good personal hygiene are important, as the virus thrives with bad immunity and on moist skin (but isn't an excuse not to moisturize, recommended twice a day).
The last thing I’d like to emphasize is know that you’re worth taking care of, you have to fight through the fear of going to a doctor for an STD, find a good open minded) doctor that you feel comfortable with (that you if you don't feel comfortable around the family doctor, stay clear from the “it’s God punishment to me, I deserve to be sick!“, yes, God works in the most mysterious ways, but not an excuse to ignore your health, even if you hear it here and there , and most importantly, love , accept , and care for yourself because you're worth taking care of!
This type of STD (Sexually transmitted disease) is caused by a virus, in fact a couple dozens of the species of the virus causing warts, they thrive in the genital and anal areas. The virus is transmitted upon direct contact with the infected area, this is most likely to be during sex, and even protected sex with an infected individual is highly risky. Also it can be transmitted through indirect contact, in such cases as sharing a bathroom or a towel with a person carrying the virus.
The warts start out as little growths often mistaken to be pimples, the key to know is that they are reddish with a white head, they grow rapidly in size and number, and they usually cause an itchy feeling. In later stages some bleeding often using the bathroom occurs. In advanced stages anal warts are often misdiagnosed to be hemorrhoids.
Treatments are available; you just have to seek help from a dermatologist or a colon and rectum surgeon. Don’t hesitate to treat or seek help, an early diagnoses is the key to healthier body. And remember to be honest as much as you can with your doctor, for it’s not a crime not to be heterosexual in Jordan, if you're not comfortable or don’t want to out yourself, just claim that you share a bathroom with your roommate. Treatments include:
-Surgical removal; best advised for advanced cases.
-Chemical burning or freezing; often used upon early detection.
-Laser removal.
The last three methods require less down time for recovery and could be done as an outpatient procedure in the doctor's clinic. the warts might come back , especially in the first three months period , so be patient and persistent and you’ll get rid of them (warts-free), It’s also possible for the virus to live in tissues for as long as two years with no symptoms so be careful at all times, and body checks are always a yearly must.
Prevention is key for all STD’s, first of all always play it safe; use condoms at all times even in a committed relationship or even if it’s not full intercourse, i.e. soft sex. Also choosing your sex partner(s) is a smart move. Monogamy is advised, but when still in the dating faze be careful not to jump in bed with someone you hardly know, and don’t shy away from asking about the person's health and sexual past. People who have many sexual partners are best to take extra care, if during sex you see anything strange or feel something not right, tell the person, stop the action, and ask him/her about it and also to see a doctor. Surely general good health, strong immunity and good personal hygiene are important, as the virus thrives with bad immunity and on moist skin (but isn't an excuse not to moisturize, recommended twice a day).
The last thing I’d like to emphasize is know that you’re worth taking care of, you have to fight through the fear of going to a doctor for an STD, find a good open minded) doctor that you feel comfortable with (that you if you don't feel comfortable around the family doctor, stay clear from the “it’s God punishment to me, I deserve to be sick!“, yes, God works in the most mysterious ways, but not an excuse to ignore your health, even if you hear it here and there , and most importantly, love , accept , and care for yourself because you're worth taking care of!