What are the different ways of treating anal warts?
Anal wart is a common health condition that impacts many individuals. This is a condition where warts grow inside or outside the anus. These warts may vary in size and can accordingly cause discomfort or pain to some individuals. As a matter of fact, there are individuals who have anal warts but have no idea about the same. This can be because their warts are small and painless. On the contrary, there are also individuals who face extreme discomfort and pain, making it uncomfortable to sit or stand.
Usually, anal warts arise due to unprotected sexual activity, anal intercourse, multiple sexual partners, etc. Whether you have anal warts or not and how to treat anal warts is a question you need to ask your colorectal surgeon. If you have any symptoms like small bumps around the anal region, itching, bleeding or discharge from the anus, then you may be suffering from anal warts.
Different ways of treating anal warts:
Commonly, diagnosis of anal warts takes place by visual examination. When you visit your colorectal then he or she examines the anal region. To identify the exact bumps, your doctor may apply acetic acid on the area which will turn the bumps to white in color. Your doctor may also use an anoscope to look at the bumps in the anal canal. For females the process of diagnosis is to take the pap smear test.
Once you identify anal warts, it is important to get rid of them at the earliest stage possible. So, depending on the severity of the anal warts, you may treat them using the following ways:
- Topical medications
This is a common treatment for small warts that are in the initial stage. The topical medications are easily available at nearby pharmacies and are mostly effective for treating the warts at the outer surface of the anus. Depending on the medication you may need to visit the doctors office for application or may apply it at your home.
- Surgical removal
Warts that are diagnosed at a later stage and grow large in size may require surgery for removal. Commonly, the warts growing in the anal canal are the ones that require a surgery. However, the surgery is mainly on an outpatient basis, so will be able to go back home on the same day.
- Other treatments
There are other treatments that can treat warts varying as per the severity and location of the warts. Treatments like Cryotherapy, Electrocautery, and Laser treatments are popular for treating anal warts.
Final note:
To conclude, people with active sexual life are at a higher risk of having anal warts. Not taking precaution and postponing diagnosis may lead to severe health conditions. As a result, one must ensure to regularly visit the colorectal surgeon and also discuss the possible ways to prevent anal warts. This health condition may also put your partner at risk of getting the same infection. So, make sure you have a proactive approach towards your health and are taking the right treatment for anal warts.
