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 membrane of the genitals. These are small growths, often resembling cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV provoke the development of cancer cells. Vaccinations are used to prevent such 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 penis, 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 small, flesh-colored or gray swelling in the genital area.
- A group of several warts located close 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 cannot be seen with the naked eye. Sometimes they form large groups.
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 types 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 sex with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people living with HIV are at increased risk of contracting HPV);
- Sexual activity at a young age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to the infection of the genital organs. Some types of HPV are also linked to cancer of the anus, penis, mouth and throat. Human papillomavirus does not always lead to cancer, but women should have regular Pap tests, especially if they are at high risk of HPV infection.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations can enlarge, making it difficult to urinate. Growths in the vaginal wall reduce the ability of the vaginal tissue to stretch during childbirth. Large warts on the genitals or vagina bleed during childbirth. The mother often transmits the virus to the child and the baby develops warts, which are especially dangerous in the throat. In this case, a complete examination and removal of growths is required so that the child can breathe freely.
Preventing
To avoid the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.The drug protects against four types 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 ages 11 and 12. If vaccines were not given in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under 26 years of age, and boys and men under 21 years of age receive the vaccine.
Medicines are effective if given before sexual activity. Research has shown that people under the age of 21 and between the ages of 21 and 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-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnosing
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so your doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to the genitals to discolor the warts. Then they are examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important that women undergo regular pelvic examinations and undergo a vaginal cytology test (pap test). These tests help to 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 from the outer and inner surface of the cervix. The procedure is painless and takes 5-10 seconds. The cells are examined under a microscope.
The HPV test
Some types of genital HPV are linked to 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 required. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or the warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed with the help of medications or surgical methods. 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. Sexual contact should be avoided when the cream is on the skin. This weakens the effect of condoms and diaphragms and causes skin irritation in your partner.
Side effects: skin rash, blisters, body aches, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys genital wart tissue.
When using the product, you should know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Side effects: slight skin irritation, itching. - Trichloroacetic acid.This medicine burns genital warts and is used to remove internal warts. Side effects include mild skin irritation, ulcers or itching.
- Synecatechin.The cream is used to treat external genital warts and warts in or around the anal canal. Side effects include skin rash, itching or burning.
You can not self-medicate so as not to provoke serious complications.
Surgery
Large warts that cannot be treated are surgically removed. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As healing progresses, the affected areas disappear. If the effect is insignificant, repeated treatment is required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses electric current to burn the warts.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed with special instruments 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.