Vaginal warts and penile warts, also known as condyloma acuminata or venereal warts, are among the most commonly reported sexually transmitted virally derived diseases. Because they are most often spread by skin-to-skin contact, vaginal warts can be avoided. However, if female genital warts have already been contracted, it is comforting to know that they can be successfully treated with natural cures and home remedies. Recognizing the symptoms of genital warts early helps in making sure that a natural cure used is most effective.
Vaginal Warts Definition
Vaginal warts are warts that appear in the genital area. Males can also experience warts in the genital and anal region called male genital warts or, more specifically, penile warts.
Vaginal Warts Causes
Highly contagious, penile, and vaginal warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though they are most common in sexually active people between 17 and 33 years old, genital warts can be found in young children. When found on younger children, it is possible that the warts were not spread by sexual contact, however, their presence should always alert adults to the possibility of sexual abuse and proper measures should be taken to protect the child and a full medical examination should be immediately sought.
Because the symptoms of genital warts are not always immediately recognized, a person may spread them without even realizing that they are doing so. Because they are often painless and are very small in measurement, genital warts can remain undetected in pubic hairs, the vaginal canal and in other parts of the vaginal region. Women with a history of frequent, recurring sexually transmitted diseases are more prone to contract vaginal warts.
Vaginal Warts Symptoms
As previously mentioned, vaginal warts are generally painless. However, depending upon their specific location and size, an infected person may experience itching and discomfort in the immediate area of the warts. The following are the most commonly reported symptoms of genital warts:
- Multiple small bumps on the genitals (sometimes the bumps appear to have connected to one another)
- Vaginal discharge
- Warts in multiple areas on the genitals
In rare cases, women may experience bleeding or interruptions in urine flow if the warts are obstructing the opening of the urethra.
Vaginal Warts Remedies
Although medications and even surgery are sometimes prescribed, female genital warts can be treated with natural cures and home remedies. One such remedy involves applying castor oil, which is known for its antiviral properties, directly to the warts and the area surrounding them. Other antiviral agents, such as crushed garlic or apple cider vinegar, can also be applied for treatment of the infection that causes vaginal warts. Other home remedies for female genital warts include:
- Applying Aloe Vera gel directly to genital warts to soothe the area and reduce tissue inflammation
- Apply the juice from an onion that has been soaked in salt (also reduces inflammation)
- The juice from the stem of a fig can be applied to genital warts several times each day to reduce their presence
- Apply a sliver of a pineapple’s peel to the infected area and secure the peel in place with an adhesive bandage to reduce the size of vaginal warts
- Apply Vitamin E oil daily until the warts disappear
- Apply the white cedar leaf oil daily until warts are gone
Specific herbs that are noted to be useful in the treatment of vaginal warts are Goldenseal, Astragalus, and Echinacea. Herbal remedies, as well as the home remedies detailed above, can be used without a prescription and without risk of serious side effects. The best way to avoid the spread of vaginal warts is to not engage in sexual activity without proper protection and to always practice safe hygiene. However, if female genital warts are contracted the above remedies are known to be quite effective in treating the symptoms of genital warts.
