17 Apr Genital Warts
Genital Warts in Columbus, OH
Genital warts affect the soft tissue of the genital area. The warts appear as small bumps that have a cauliflower appearance. If you live in the Greater Columbus area and believe you have genital warts, Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham is a board-certified dermatologist who provides discrete and safe treatment for genital warts.
What are Genital Warts?
As the name implies, genital warts are small bumps that appear in the genital area. Each wart will have a cauliflower-like appearance. For most patients, the warts are too small to detect without the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced medical professional. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are different strains of HPV, each of which will cause genital warts or certain types of cancer.
Genital Warts Treatment Benefits
Genital warts can affect the soft tissue of the external genitals, as well as the internal areas of the vagina and anus. The condition is also found in the mouth and throat of patients who perform oral sex on someone carrying HPV. Complications may result if your genital warts and HPV are not treated, such as:
- Complications during pregnancy
- Difficulty urinating
- Difficult childbirth
- Cancer
- Bleeding from larger warts
If you have genital warts, you can spread the infection to other people.
What Areas Can Be Effected By Genital Warts?
Treatments for genital warts target the areas that show signs of being exposed to HPV, which may include the external genitalia, anus, vagina, mouth, and throat.
What Can I Expect From Genital Warts Treatment?
When you receive treatment for genital warts from Dr. Hicks-Graham, you will have a reduction in symptoms, such as:
- Discomfort
- Stress related to the possibility of spreading HPV and genital warts to your sexual partners
- Burning sensation
- Itching
Unfortunately, genital warts may come back after treatment, so the overall goal is to reduce the frequency of your outbreaks. Dr. Hicks-Graham will also recommend steps you can take to keep the genital warts localized and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Genital Warts Treatment Preparation
You should be open and candid with Dr. Hicks-Graham when you meet with her for your consultation. For some patients, this requires a great deal of emotional preparation. You will need to share your sexual history and symptoms. She will also ask about any other medical conditions you have or that run in your family.
Genital Warts Treatment Recovery
In many cases, treatment for genital warts requires using medications prescribed by Dr. Hicks-Graham. The medications will control the symptoms and reduce the frequency of your outbreaks. If your genital warts are large, she may recommend surgery to remove the warts. Recovery from surgery varies and is based upon the location, size, and number of warts being removed. Dr. Hicks-Graham will explain your recovery from genital wart surgery during your consultation.
How Much Does Genital Warts Treatment Cost?
Treatment for genital warts is covered by most insurance companies. You will only be responsible for the co-payment, deductible and co-insurance as defined by the insurance carrier. We accept payment by cash, check, and major credit card. You can also apply for financing through CareCredit®.
Is Genital Warts Treatment Right for Me?
If you suspect that you have genital warts or have been exposed to HPV, you should be evaluated by Dr. Hicks-Graham. As a board-certified dermatologist, she is able to accurately diagnose your genital warts and recommend effective treatments for the condition.
Genital Warts Consultation
Genital warts is a sign that you have been exposed to HPV, a sexually-transmitted virus that may cause genital warts, as well as certain types of cancer. We recommend that you contact us to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Hicks-Graham to learn if treatment for genital warts is necessary.Living with genital warts can be embarrassing and cause a great deal of shame and stress. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham helps those in the Greater Columbus area who have been exposed to HPV and need to manage the physical and emotional effects of genital warts.