Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a certain type of human papillomavirus (HPV). It occurs more frequently in women than in men.
The formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. They are small growths, often similar to cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV cause the development of cancer cells. Vaccines are used to prevent these health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can grow on the external genitalia, on the vaginal walls, in the area between the external genitalia and the anus, in the anal canal and on the cervix. In men, the glans penis, scrotum or anus are affected. Sometimes these growths form in the mouth or throat after oral sex with an infected person.
Symptoms of Genital Warts:
- Appearance of a small flesh-colored or grayish swelling in the genital area.
- A cluster of several warts located close to each other.
- The occurrence of itching or discomfort in the genital area.
- Bleeding during sexual intercourse.
Genital warts can be so small and flat that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Sometimes they form large clumps.
You should see a doctor if a woman or her partner develops lumps or warts in the genital area.
Causes
There are more than 40 different strains of HPV that affect the genital area. People with weakened immune systems are susceptible to HPV infection. They are more likely to develop health problems.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of infection include:
- unprotected sex with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people living with HIV are at greater risk of acquiring HPV);
- sexual activity at a young age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to infection of the genital organs. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancer of the anus, penis, mouth, and throat. The human papillomavirus does not always cause cancer, but women should have regular Pap smears, especially if they are at high risk for contracting HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations can increase, making urination difficult. Growths in the vaginal wall reduce the ability of vaginal tissue to stretch during childbirth. Large warts on the genitals or vagina bleed during labor. The mother often transmits the virus to her child, and the baby develops warts, which are especially dangerous in the throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of growths is necessary so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To prevent the development of diseases associated with HPV, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of getting genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.The medicine protects against four strains of HPV that cause cancer and is used to prevent genital warts.
Another vaccine protects against cervical cancer but not genital warts.
Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 and 12. If vaccines were not administered in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under the age of 26, and boys and men under the age of 21, receive the vaccine.
Medications are effective if administered before sexual activity. Research has shown that people under the age of 21 and ages 21 to 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects of vaccines are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnosis
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so your doctor will apply a weak acetic acid solution to your genitals to clear up the warts. Then they are examined using a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
Pap smear
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and a vaginal cytology smear (Pap smear). These tests help detect changes in the vagina and cervix caused by genital warts or early signs of cervical cancer.
A smear is taken during a gynecological examination with a special brush on the outer and inner surfaces of the cervix. The procedure is painless and takes 5 to 10 seconds. The cells are examined under a microscope.
HPV Test
Several types of genital HPV are associated with cervical cancer. A tissue sample taken during a PAP test is tested for strains of HPV that cause cancer. It is performed on women aged 30 and over.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, treatment is not necessary. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or the warts cause emotional stress, the formations are removed with the help of medication or surgical methods. The growths may return after treatment.
Medications for treating genital warts
Preparations that are applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. Strengthens the immune system's ability to fight genital warts. Sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. This weakens the effect of condoms and the diaphragm and causes irritation to your partner's skin.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body aches, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant resin that destroys wart tissue on the genitals.
When using the product, it is necessary to know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Side effects: mild skin irritation, itching. - Trichloroacetic acid.This remedy burns genital warts and is used to remove internal warts. Side effects include mild skin irritation, ulcers, or itching.
- Sinecatechin.The cream is used to treat external genital warts and warts in or around the anal canal. Side effects include redness, itching, or burning skin.
You cannot self-medicate to avoid causing serious complications.
Surgery
Large warts that cannot be treated are removed surgically. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As healing progresses, the affected areas disappear. If the effect is insignificant, repeated treatment is necessary. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses electrical current to burn warts.
- Surgical excision.The warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.The method, which uses an intense beam of light, is recommended for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.