What Are Genital Warts?
Genital warts (Condylomata acuminata) are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The warts appear like flesh-colored papules on the genitals. HPV is a highly contagious virus transmitted through genital, oral, and anal sexual contact (2). Herpes is quite different from genital warts. Let’s find out.
What Is Herpes?
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The two types of viruses – HSV1 and HSV-2 may affect any body part, including genitals, and cause pimple-like bumps, blisters, vesicles, and papules. The Centre for Disease Control estimates that approximately over five lakh people are diagnosed with herpes every year in the United States. Out of this, 11.9% of the people are between 14 and 49 years (3), (4). The symptoms of herpes and genital warts may differ in numerous aspects. Let’s take a look at them.
Genital Warts Vs. Herpes: Symptoms
The symptoms of genital warts and herpes seem to be similar. However, you can distinguish them by their appearance. Herpes and genital warts spread through skin-to-skin contact. Let’s learn in detail.
How Do You Get Herpes And Genital Warts?
You can contract genital warts through:
Unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse and oral sex Sharing sex toys with an infected person
In rare cases, it may be passed down from the mother to her child (known as vertical transmission during delivery). Herpes is transmitted through (2), (4):
Body fluids like saliva (through oral sex or kissing) Unprotected sexual intercourse Touching active sores
It can be passed on from the mother to her newborn child (neonatal herpes). Avoid sexual intercourse with a partner who may have either genital warts or herpes. It’s better to get tested to avoid spreading the infection. Both STIs are non-curable. However, an early diagnosis can help control the symptoms. Check out the treatment options in the next section.
Genital Warts Vs. Herpes: Treatment Options
Since both are non-curable, doctors usually resort to either prevention or managing the symptoms. For managing herpes, doctors may prescribe:
Antiviral medications and creams like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir
For managing genital warts, doctors may prescribe
Podophyllotoxin gel or cream to clear warts. Clinical trials found 0.5% podofilox to be quite effective in wart removal (5).
Cryotherapy also helps remove genital warts (6). This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy warts.
However, remember that the treatment methods can treat the symptoms but not eliminate or cure the virus. Which is worse: genital warts or herpes? Both sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are equally harmful and exhibit many similar symptoms. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that herpes tends to be more painful than genital warts. Can genital warts turn into herpes? No. Both STDs are caused by different viruses, and genital warts cannot develop into herpes. Are genital warts contagious for life? Yes. Genital warts and their causative virus are contagious. It is possible to transmit them even after the warts have receded.
