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 happens more often in women than in men.
Formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are small growths, often similar to cauliflower.
Some genital HPV strains provoke the development of cancer cells. Vaccinations are given 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, anal canal, and cervix. In men, the head of 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 a small, flesh-colored or gray swelling in the genital area.
- A cluster of several warts located close to each other.
- Itching or discomfort in the genital area.
- Bleeding during intercourse.
Genital warts can be so small and flat that they cannot be seen with 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 can increase the risk of infection include:
- unprotected sex with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people with HIV are at increased risk of getting HPV);
- sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to genital infection. Some types of HPV are also linked to cancer of the anus, penis, mouth, and throat. Human papillomavirus does not always cause cancer, but women should have regular Pap smears, especially if they are at high risk for HPV infection.
- Problems during pregnancy.Formations can increase in size, making it difficult to urinate. Growths on the vaginal wall reduce the ability of 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 neck. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of growths is required so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To avoid the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended to:
- Use condoms during intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of getting genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.The drug 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 to 12 years. If vaccination was not carried out in childhood, vaccination is recommended for girls and women under 26 years of age and boys and men under 21 years of age.
The drug is effective when taken before intercourse. Research shows that people under the age of 21 and between the ages of 21 and 30 who receive the HPV vaccine are 50% protected against infection.
Side effects of vaccines are mild and include soreness at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnostics
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so your doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to your genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined with a special magnifying tool - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and a vaginal smear (Pap smear). These tests help identify changes in the vagina and cervix caused by genital warts or early signs of cervical cancer.
During a gynecological examination, a smear is taken from the outer and inner surface of the cervix with a special brush. The procedure is painless and lasts 5-10 seconds. The cells are examined under a microscope.
HPV test
Several types of genital HPV have been linked to cervical cancer. A tissue sample taken during a Pap test is tested for HPV strains that cause cancer. It is performed on women aged 30 and over.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, no treatment is necessary. But if there is itching, burning and pain or warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed with the help of medication 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 while the cream is on the skin. This weakens the condom and diaphragm and causes skin irritation for your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body aches, cough, rash, and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys wart tissue on the genitals.
When using the product, you should be aware of the precautions to avoid 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, sores or itching.
- Synecatechin.The cream is used to treat external genital warts and warts in or around the anal canal. Side effects include redness, itching or burning of the skin.
You cannot self-medicate so as not to cause serious complications.
Surgery
Large warts that cannot be treated are surgically removed. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As it develops, the affected areas disappear. If the effect is insignificant, repeated treatment is required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses an electric current to burn off the 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 for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.