5 Facts and 5 Fixes for Men with Genital Warts

Once some small bumps have taken residence in a man’s pleasure palace down below, a panic attack is sure to follow. These clusters of tiny bumps can indicate a few different things, but if they’re not painful or pus-filled, it might be genital warts. Most people know genital warts by the virus that causes them, HPV. Most people also believe that men can’t get them, which would be very incorrect. While women overwhelming experience the symptoms of HPV, they aren’t the only ones!

5 Facts About Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, commonly known as HPV. They are classified as a sexually transmitted infection and are considered highly contagious. They look like little cauliflowers (good luck enjoying cauliflower au gratin ever again) and are small and raised.

1) Men are generally carriers of HPV but can also get genital warts.

2) Genital warts are usually painless and can often be overlooked.

3) Genital warts are passed from someone with the virus to their partner. They can be transmitted during unprotected vaginal and anal sex, oral sex without a condom or dental dam, and close genital contact, even if there is no penetration.

4) Having an STI, like genital warts, increases a person’s chance of getting HIV

5) If left untreated, genital warts can multiply and spread, so seek treatment immediately.

5 Fixes for Genital Warts

1) Get a diagnosis to ensure they are really genital warts. Other things like moles, skin tags, or penile pearly papules can give the appearance of genital warts.

2) Doctor-prescribed topical creams such as Aldara. It can be applied by the patient. It does have several side effects such as redness, fatigue, body rashes, and body aches and pains.

3) Another medication, podophyllin, must be applied by a physician. It’s a plant-based resin that destroys the genital wart tissue. It’s sister-medicine, podofilox, can be applied by a patient. It should be used for external genital warts only.

4) Cryotherapy is a common option. It works by freezing the warts until a blister forms around them. As the skin heals, it eventually falls off to uncover new skin. Some people need multiple treatments depending on the outbreak.

5) Surgical removal is done by a qualified surgeon. Patients will need general or local anesthesia and there is usually pain afterward.

Prevent Genital Warts

The best way to prevent genital warts is to begin at proper sexual and penis health. Start with safe sex. That means many things. Be sure to use condoms for all kinds of sex and dental dams when performing oral sex on a woman. Also, when genital areas are near each other, be sure to use a barrier of some sort. The most important part of safe sex is having an open and no judgement conversation about sexual history and STI status. Finally, if something appears abnormal and may be a sign of STI that was undisclosed, stop immediately and address the subject. The surest way to ensure safety (besides abstinence) is to request testing prior to sexual activity.

If a man had genital warts and has since remedied the situation, a good way to reinvigorate the skin and calm an irritation is to apply a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to the penis regularly. Using a crème with natural emollients like Shea butter and vitamin E will lock-in moisture and keep the skin supple without irritation. The best crèmes also are chock-full of vitamins and amino acids which promote elasticity and cellular renewal. A creme like this will make a penis feel brand new again.