Warts on the Penis - What Does This Mean?

Most men are very careful about their penis health, and understandably so - the penis is a very sensitive organ, and the manhood a very sensitive area. Ensuring proper penis care means regular washing, using a high-end penis health crème, and checking out the skin on a regular basis to ensure nothing looks different down there. So when a man sees warts on his penis, he will likely be quite concerned, puzzled - or even terribly frightened.

That's why it is so important to understand what it means to have warts, where they come from, and what can be done about it.

Warts on the penis?

Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, with over 500,000 cases each year. It travels so easily from one person to another because the virus needs only simple skin-to-skin contact. That means that even if a man uses a condom, he might receive or transmit the infection through the touching of other body parts, such as the inner thigh or buttocks.

Warts on the penis are caused by the human papilloma virus, also known as HPV. There are over 100 strains of HPV. Some people might have a virus that causes warts on the feet or hands. Those who have genital warts are usually infected by one of two strains: HPV 6 or HPV 11.

In most cases, these warts are flesh-colored, soft to the touch, and might look a bit like cauliflower. They are usually painless, but they might lead to an itchy penis. They might be here and there all over the penis, or might form one large cluster. They usually show up between six weeks and six months after infection.

What does this mean?

A man who notices warts on his penis should immediately see the doctor. It is important to remember that though the warts might be unsightly or uncomfortable, they are usually not dangerous in and of themselves. It is possible that the warts, when irritated, could lead to open sores or bleeding, and that could lead to easier transmission of disease.

The human body is very good at fighting off the HPV virus. However, some prescriptions can help lessen the look, feel and number of warts, and might encourage faster healing. Warts that don't go away on their own can be removed by freezing, burning or minor surgery.

Keep in mind that when the warts are present, it is very easy to spread them from one person to another. But it is also important to note that warts can be spread even when an active 'outbreak' is not happening. That's why it is so important to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, understand exactly what strains of HPV are present, and share that information with all sexual partners.

Preventing warts on the penis

It is very important to maintain great penis health, and that means doing what a man can to prevent warts in the first place. A man should always use a condom when with a new sexual partner. Getting the HPV vaccine might reduce the chances of a man contracting warts. He should also not smoke, as smoking seems to increase the risk of contracting HPV, and might make wart outbreaks more frequent or harder to treat.

Finally, a man should always inspect the penis skin carefully as he applies a regular dose of penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that contains vitamin A, a known anti-bacterial agent, as well as alpha-lipoic acid, which fights against free radicals that can lead to premature aging and thinning of the skin. Great vitamins and nutrients wrapped up in a Shea butter emollient, enhanced with vitamin E, can help the skin look and feel its best.