Genital wartsandgenital herpesare sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
They are due to different viruses but may appear in similar parts of the body.
Both STIs may go unnoticed, as they don’t always cause symptoms.
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Both are also highly contagious.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are a form of sexually transmitted infection.
They are triggered by a virus calledhuman papillomavirus (HPV).
It is commonly passed between people during vaginal or anal sex.
In rare cases, it is also possible to be passed from person to person through oral sex.
It is due to the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
But both of these STIs can go unnoticed as in some people, they don’t cause any symptoms.
Genital warts may not always be visible to the eye.
In some cases they can be so small you could’t see them.
Genital warts may appear the same color as your skin and be raised or flat.
They may also have an appearance that resembles the top part of a cauliflower.These warts are usually painless.
Some people can develop symptoms within weeks of being exposed to HSV.
Symptoms may include a group of lesions that are similar in appearance to blisters or ulcers.
They may burst and leave a red sore.The lesions may be painful and may feel like they are burning.
They may also experience itching or irritation in the area of the genitals.
Genital warts are diagnosed by a healthcare provider examining them.
A healthcare provider can diagnose herpes through a physical examination if lesions are present.
If this isn’t available, then viral culture can be done.
Treatment options vary based on the location of the warts and how big they are.
Some options include:
Genital herpes can’t be cured.
Medications may be used to help reduce symptoms.
Antivirals can shorten the length of outbreaks of herpes or prevent them from occurring.
These drugs can also lower the risk of spreading herpes to others.
This can be dangerous and lead to an infection called neonatal herpes.
This condition can be fatal to the infant.
Prevention
Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting genital warts or genital herpes.
They are due to different viruses and may go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms.
Genital warts may be diagnosed by an examination by a healthcare provider.
In some cases, genital herpes may be diagnosed through a swab of the lesion or a blood test.
Genital warts can resolve without treatment, but treatment options that include prescription creams and wart removal are available.
There is no cure for genital herpes but antivirals may shorten or prevent outbreaks and prevent spread.
Both genital warts and genital herpes are highly contagious.
They can both spread the viruses that cause them even in the absence of symptoms.
HPV, the virus that causes genital warts, is not curable.
However, genital warts can be treated successfully or may go away on their own.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital warts (HPV).
Stanford Health Care.Genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes screening FAQ.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes treatment and care.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes CDC fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human papillomavirus (HPV) treatment and care.
