Emotional Stigma Leaves Genital Warts Sufferers in the Dark

Sufferers reluctant to tell partners and physicians

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/graceway-pharmaceuticals/genital-warts-emotional-stigma

TORONTO, May 17 /PRNewswire/ - Genital warts, caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is often the silent part of HPV kept behind closed doors.ⁱ While HPV prevention is openly discussed, for the more than 300,000 Canadians already living with genital warts,ⁱⁱ prevention for them is 'too little, too late.'

"The HPV vaccine is the first line prevention and should be taken for precautionary measures," says Dr. Marc Steben, clinician at l'ActuelSTI clinic and associate clinician at the Direction of Biological Risks and Health at Work at the Québec National Public Health Institute. "The psychological and sexual health of those already suffering from new or recurrent genital warts is often not taken into account."

Genital warts are usually painless but can cause itching or a burning sensation and occasionally, minor bleeding. They are contagious and are spread during oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner.ⁱⁱⁱ

A new survey^iv shows that more than half of Canadians (54 per cent) would be ashamed if they had genital warts.^v A further 53 per cent say their self-esteem would dramatically decrease^vi and 44 per cent would worry that family and friends would judge them.^vii Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), so when it comes to romantic relationships, it's no surprise that one in three Canadians (32 per cent) worry they wouldn't find love if they had genital warts.^viii

The emotional stigma is so profound that some Canadians (10 per cent) say that if they had genital warts they would avoid telling their partner.^ix The embarrassment not only keeps them from telling their partners, but also from telling their doctor, with one in three Canadians (34 per cent) admitting this.^x

"This is extremely concerning because if you see an irregular lump or bump on your genitals, you need to see a doctor immediately," says Dr. Steben. "Early treatment of genital warts is the first step in overcoming fears and getting control over the condition."

Treatment for genital warts varies, but 58 per cent of Canadians would prefer a prescription cream over some of the more invasive treatments available, particularly among younger respondents aged 18 to 34 (67 per cent).^xi

"There is a new once-daily dosing treatment cream available for genital wart sufferers," says Dr. Steben. "You can apply it yourself in the privacy of your home, making the process simple and convenient."

Canadians should speak to their doctor about the many treatment options available for genital warts. Gentialwarts.ca is a new resource for Canadians looking for information on what causes genital warts, what the symptoms are and available treatment options. Canadians can also connect with others or join a discussion on genital warts at genitalwartspatients.com. If you are living with genital warts there is support on how to cope and live a normal life. 

SOURCE Graceway Pharmaceuticals Canada