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 often in women than in men.
The formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are small growths, often similar to cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV cause the development of cancer cells. Vaccinations are used to prevent such health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can grow on the external genitalia, vaginal walls, the area between the external genitalia and the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. In men, the glans, scrotum or anus is affected. These growths sometimes form in the mouth or throat after oral sex with an infected person.
Symptoms of genital warts:
- The appearance of a small flesh-colored or gray swelling in the genital area.
- A cluster of several warts located next to each other.
- The appearance of itching or discomfort in the genital area.
- Bleeding during sexual intercourse.
Genital warts can be so small and flat that they are not visible to the naked eye. Sometimes they form large clusters.
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 the risk of infection include:
- unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people living with HIV are at greater risk of contracting HPV);
- sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to infection of the genital organs. Some types of HPV are also associated with cancer of the anus, penis, mouth and throat. The human papillomavirus does not always lead to cancer, but women should get regular Pap tests, especially if they are at high risk of contracting HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The lumps may enlarge, making urination difficult. Growths on the vaginal wall reduce the ability of vaginal tissue to stretch during childbirth. Large warts on the genitals or vagina bleed during labor. Often the mother transmits the virus to the child and the child develops warts, especially dangerous in the throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of the growths is necessary so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To avoid the development of HPV-associated diseases, it is recommended:
- Use a condom during sexual intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of contracting genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.The drug protects against four cancer-causing strains of HPV 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 to 12 years. If vaccinations were not given in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under 26 years of age, as well as boys and men under 21 years of age, receive the vaccine.
The drugs are effective when administered before sexual activity. Research has shown that people younger than 21 and 21 to 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects from vaccines are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low fever or flu-like symptoms. Dizziness or fainting sometimes occurs after the injection, especially in adolescents.
Diagnostics
Genital warts are often difficult to spot, so your doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to your genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and have 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.
During a gynecological examination, a smear is taken with a special brush from the external and internal surface of the cervix. The procedure is painless and takes 5-10 seconds. The cells are examined under a microscope.
HPV testing
Several types of genital HPV are associated with cervical cancer. A tissue sample taken during a PAP test is tested for cancer-causing strains of HPV. It is performed in women aged 30 years and older.
Treatment
If the warts cause no discomfort, treatment is not necessary. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or warts cause emotional stress, the formations are removed with the help of drugs or surgical methods. The growths may return after treatment.
Medicines for the treatment of genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. Strengthens the immune system's ability to fight genital warts. Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on the skin. This weakens the effect of the condom and diaphragm and causes irritation to your partner's skin.
Side effects: redness of the skin, blisters, body pain, cough, rashes and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant resin that destroys the tissue of warts on the genitals.
When using the product you must know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. This medication 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 skin redness, itching, or burning.
You cannot self-medicate so as not to cause 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 electric current to burn warts.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed with special tools and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.The method, which uses an intense beam of light, is intended for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.