How to Prevent a Genital Warts Outbreak

Genital warts are one of the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted diseases. The outbreak of genital warts is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are actually over 60 different strains of HPV, of which approximately 12 are transmitted sexually, and only one causes genital warts. The virus is highly contagious. Similar to many sexually transmitted diseases, the human papillomavirus is capable of silent infections, possibly remaining dormant for years, showing no visible symptoms. When the virus becomes active, there can be an outbreak of genital warts.

Genital Warts: Prevention

The best way to prevent the outbreak of genital warts is to avoid infection of the human papillomavirus altogether. The only way to prevent a HPV infection is to avoid any direct contact with the virus. The virus is transmitted from skin-to-skin contact, particularly sexual contact. However, there are natural methods you can utilize to decrease the number of time the virus re-activates, causing a genital warts outbreak.

Hygiene

Good hygiene an essential part of the genital wart prevention and treatment process. While hygiene itself will not prevent an outbreak, it can serve to heal current outbreaks faster. It is recommended that the genitals are kept clean and dry. It is also recommended that scented soaps and oils be avoided, as these may serve to irritate the warts.

Diet

A proper diet is essential for the maintenance of overall general health. A healthy dietary intake will provide the bodily systems with all the nutrients necessary for normal function. It is critical that you provide your immune system the vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids it requires for proper function. Your immune system will work to suppress further outbreaks, but it can only function to its full capacity if you provide it with all the necessary nutrients.

Supplementation

There are supplements available to aid an overall healthy diet to provide any necessary nutrients that you may not be ingesting on a daily basis. These supplements should be used as supplements. That is, supplements are meant to aid in a healthy and regular diet, not to correct poor health choices.

Physical Activity

Individuals that have a healthy routine with physical activity generally have better overall general health. Exercising is great for all bodily systems, including the immune system. Any boost to overall immune system function should aid in the suppression of further genital wart outbreaks.

Genital Warts Outbreaks: An Overview

Currently, there is no way to prevent genital warts outbreaks. This is due to the fact that there are a variety of factors that decide when and where genital outbreaks occur. It has to do with individual characteristics, including overall immune system function. However, there are steps that you can take to minimize the occurrence rates of outbreaks. It is important to remember that in most cases, genital warts are not life threatening, and only serve as a general annoyance during outbreaks that can typically be suppressed with natural methods. It is also important to note again that genital warts are extremely contagious, even when outbreaks are not present.

Sources:

http://www.avert.org/genital-warts.htm

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/human_papillomavirus/treatment.htm