Genital warts and herpes are both sexually transmitted diseases. They are caused by different viruses. Genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) and herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). Millions of people are infected every year by these two most common STDs. Let us look at these diseases separately so that we may understand the better and know the differences between genital warts and herpes.
Genital warts
These occur in the genital areas and are transmitted mainly through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Genital warts are more common among women than men and therefore there are more works being done to prevent women from getting infected. These warts are flesh colored or gray growths. They may be flat or occur in lumps. Thee warts itch and pain and may eve bleed. These are common symptoms for both men and women.
The HPV can remain inside the body for a long time without showing itself. Once the symptoms are noticed, it is very important to show them to the doctor. There are many treatments for genital warts. They may be removed by freezing using liquid nitrogen, cutting them off with blades heated by electricity, laser surgery or by a method called excision where the doctor uses the surgical tools to remove them. There are also several over the counter effective medicines.
HPV can also attack a pregnant woman and this will involve a lot of risk as the warts may be transmitted to the baby. The pregnant women cannot use the same medicines to treat the warts and need proper medical help.
There are vaccines to prevent genital warts but these vaccines are only for women but search is on for men also. It is best to prevent the problem because there is no cure.
Herpes
This is also a highly contagious STD that has no cure. In this case rashes with blistery sores appear in different parts of the body. These sores may appear even in the anus, vagina, penis and cervix. The symptoms include, itching, burning sensation, pain, fever, swollen glands, headaches, etc. Psychological distress is another symptom from which an infected person suffers from. Herpes is so contagious that it may be transmitted from casual touching or sharing of the same items with an infected person.
There is no treatment available for herpes and therefore it is very essential to protect oneself from it. It is also the responsibility of the person to do everything to prevent the transmission off the disease to other people.
