Genital Warts and Genital Herpes – How Do They Differ?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) while genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection that is cause by the human papillovirus, or HPV. Both are transmitted as well contracted through sexual contact with a partner. Genital Herpes

Genital herpes manifests only minimal symptoms if it manifests at all. When they appear, though, you will find one or more blisters around the genitals or the rectal area which will eventually break and leave sores. These sores may take 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Other outbreaks may appear after weeks or months after the initial outbreak. In most cases, however, the succeeding outbreaks are less severe than the first and it heals faster, too. The number of outbreaks may lessen after some time but the virus can stay in the body for an indefinite period of time.

Genital Warts

Genital warts appear to be very tiny or big masses that spread into large areas in the genital area. These often appear in cauliflower-shaped clusters in the penis, vagina, or rectal area. These can also grow inside a woman’s body, more specifically along the cervix. Both genital herpes and genital warts can develop in the mouth of a person who has engaged in oral sex with an infected individual, though it is a rare cause with genital warts.

The Difference

In both conditions, the person may not be aware that they are already infected until the symptoms appear. In genital herpes, the symptoms usually appear after 2 weeks from the transmission of HSV-2. Sores can appear on the genital area, sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever and swollen glands. Around 4 or more outbreaks within the year are expected after the first one, and they may decrease over time. Some people do not have sores, or they may have very mild infections that they mistake for other skin conditions or even insect bites. On the other end, genital warts may take months, or even years before the symptoms are seen. But once they are visible, they are immediately identifiable as genital warts. Some may disappear without any treatment, while some stay indefinitely and needs to be treated.

Both genital herpes and genital warts are dangerous since they can lead to different complications. Genital herpes can be transmitted to babies by a pregnant woman and this can be fatal. It can weaken one’s immune system and make one more susceptible to HIV. Genital warts, if left untreated, may lead to cancer in the genitals.

Unfortunately, there are no cures that could remove both completely, but medication is available in lessening the symptoms of both conditions. The virus will still be present in the body and will most likely reappear later in time. So the best way to combat this is prevention. One should refrain from having sexual activity, or at least maintain a monogamous sexual relationship with someone who is not infected with such. In this way, there is less risk in developing these conditions.