Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a specific type of human papilloma virus (HPV). It occurs more often in women than in men.
The formations affect the mucous membranes of the genital organs. These are small growths, often similar to cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV cause cancer cells to grow. Vaccines are used to prevent such health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can develop on the external genitalia, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitalia and the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. In men, the glans 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, fleshy or gray swelling in the genital area.
- A cluster of several warts located close to each other.
- The appearance of 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 clumps.
You should see a doctor if a woman or her partner develops lumps or warts in the genital area.
Reasons
There are more than 40 different strains of HPV that affect the genital area. People with weakened immune systems are prone 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 getting HPV).
- sexual activity at a young age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to genital infection. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancers of the anus, penis, mouth, and throat. Human papillomavirus does not always lead to cancer, but women should have regular Pap smears, especially if they are at high risk of contracting HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations may enlarge, making urination difficult. Increases in the vaginal wall reduce the ability of the vaginal tissue to stretch during labor. 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 on the throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of growths is required so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To prevent the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of 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 and 12 years. If childhood vaccinations were not given, it is recommended that girls and women under the age of 26 and boys and men under the age of 21 receive the vaccine.
The drugs are effective if administered 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), headaches, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnostics
Genital warts are often hard to spot, so your doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to the genitals to whiten the warts. They are then examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
Pap test
It is important that women have regular pelvic exams and vaginal pap smears. 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 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.
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 warts do not cause discomfort, no treatment is required. But if there is itching, burning and pain or the warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed with the help of drugs or surgical methods. Growths may return after treatment.
Medicines for the treatment of genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. It strengthens the immune system's ability to fight genital warts. Sexual intercourse should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. This weakens the effect of condoms and the diaphragm and causes skin irritation in your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant resin that destroys the tissue of genital warts.
When using the product, you must be aware of the precautions to avoid causing irritation. This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Side effects: mild 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 redness, itching or burning.
You can not 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 healing progresses, the affected areas disappear. If the result is insignificant, repeated treatment is required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses electricity to burn off warts.
- Surgical resection.The warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.The method, which uses an intense beam of light, is reserved for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.