Difference between genital warts and genital herpes?

The article is professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Although both are sexually transmitted diseases, and have confusing names, genital warts and genital herpes are two different diseases. The best way to prevent it is to practice safe sex.

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV that cause different diseases, but only a few types cause genital warts.
HPV is transmitted very strongly through skin-to-skin contact, but not everyone infected with HPV will get the disease. In fact, in most cases, the body gets rid of HPV and no disease occurs.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes virus (HSV), namely HSV - 1 and HSV - 2. HSV enters the human body through mucous membranes; HSV - 1 and HSV - 2 are found in body fluids of infected people (such as saliva, semen, vaginal secretions,...).

Genital warts are sexually transmitted diseases, through skin-to-skin contact, so the disease can manifest as soft papillomas (warts) in many places, including the genitals and genital area. genitals, anus, lips, mouth, tongue, pharynx, buttocks, thighs,...
Although warts are not always visible, there can still be manifestations such as: abnormal vaginal discharge , itching, burning, bleeding,...
If genital warts spread or grow, they can cause discomfort, discomfort or even pain.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by painful, fluid-filled blisters. The appearance of cold sores is usually sudden, can appear 2 days after infection with the virus or can be later (even after 30 days).
Herpes can appear anywhere that is exposed to the source of the disease, but usually appears on the genitals and genital area, lips, mouth, tongue,... Areas of exposure may appear itching, tingling before the blisters appear. The blisters can burst and release fluid inside. Accompanying symptoms are fever, headache, body pain, swollen lymph nodes.

To date, there is no cure for HPV. Genital warts can only treat symptoms. Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may prescribe topical drugs (containing imiquimod, podophyllin and podofilox, or trichloroacetic acid), or may prescribe procedural interventions (such as electrocautery, cryotherapy, laser, ... ).

Like HPV, so far there is no cure for HSV. To relieve symptoms of genital herpes, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to relieve pain, reduce symptoms, and shorten healing time.

Both diseases are sexually transmitted diseases, so the best prevention is to practice safe sex. Only HPV can now be prevented by vaccination against HPV.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a screening package for social diseases for male and female customers for the purpose of screening for early disease detection for effective treatment and avoiding complications.

Clients with risk factors such as unprotected sex, tattooing or injecting drugs, being a patient who has had a blood transfusion or blood products.
During the examination, the customer will be carried out tests such as: HIV Ab rapid test, Chlamydia rapid test, Treponema pallidium rapid test, qualitative and quantitative Treponema pallidum TPHA test, laboratory tests. Microbial staining and staining fungal testing.
From the test results, the doctor will make conclusions and advice for the patient as well as give ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases in general and genital warts, genital herpes in particular.

Article referenced source: healthline.com