Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a specific type of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is more common in women than in men.
The formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are small plants that often resemble cauliflower.
Some genital HPV strains provoke the development of cancer cells. Vaccinations are used to prevent such health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can grow on the external genitals, vaginal walls, the area between the external genitals and the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. In men, the glans, scrotum or anus are 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 swellings in the genital area.
- A cluster of multiple warts that are close together.
- 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 experiences 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 (e. g. , people with HIV are at increased risk of becoming infected with HPV);
- sexual activity at a young age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to an infection of the genital organs. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancers 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 of becoming infected with HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations can enlarge and make 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 passes the virus to the child and the baby develops warts, which are particularly dangerous in the neck area. 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-associated diseases, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of developing genital warts.
- Be 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 against genital warts.
Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. If no vaccination was given in childhood, vaccination is recommended for girls and women under 26 years of age and for boys and men under 21 years of age.
The medications are effective when administered before sexual activity. Research has shown that people under 21 and between 21 and 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected against infection.
The side effects of the vaccinations are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low fever or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
diagnosis
Because genital warts are often difficult to detect, your doctor will apply a weak acetic acid solution to the genitals to lighten the warts. They are then examined with a special magnifying instrument – a colposcope.
Pap smear
It is important for women to undergo regular gynecological examinations 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 swab is taken from the external and internal surfaces of the cervix using a special brush. 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 examined for cancer-causing strains of HPV. It is performed on women aged 30 and over.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause any symptoms, treatment is not necessary. However, 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 reappear after treatment.
Medicines used to treat genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. Strengthens the immune system's ability to fight genital warts. As long as the cream is on the skin, sexual contact should be avoided. This weakens the effectiveness of condoms and the diaphragm and leads to skin irritation for the partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a vegetable resin that destroys the wart tissue on the genitals.
When using the product, you must know the precautions to avoid irritation. The use of this medicine is not recommended during pregnancy. Side effects: slight 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.
- 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 cannot self-medicate so as not to provoke 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 off warts.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed using special instruments and anesthesia is administered.
- Laser procedure.The method, which uses an intense beam of light, is intended for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are carried out by specialists under sterile conditions.