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 frequently 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. Vaccines are used to prevent these 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 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 a 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 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 factor's
Factors that may increase the risk of infection include:
- unprotected sexual relations with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people living with HIV are at increased risk of contracting HPV);
- sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to infection of the genital organs. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancers of the anus, penis, mouth and throat. The human papillomavirus does not always cause cancer, but women should have regular Pap tests, especially if they are at high risk for HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations may enlarge, 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 throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of the growths is required so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To avoid the development of diseases associated with HPV, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during sex.This significantly reduces the risk of contracting 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.
Systematic vaccination against HPV is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years. If they were not vaccinated in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under 26 years of age, and boys and men under 21 years of age, receive them.
The medications are effective if given before sexual activity. Research has shown that people under 21 years of age and 21 to 30 years of age who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected against infection.
Side effects of the vaccines are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headaches, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Dizziness or fainting sometimes occurs after the injection, especially in adolescents.
Diagnosis
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so your doctor will apply a weak acetic acid solution to the genitals to whiten the warts. They are then examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
Vaginal cytology
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and a Pap test (Pap smear). 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 lasts between 5 and 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 cancer-causing strains of HPV. It is performed on women aged 30 and older.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, no treatment is required. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or the warts cause emotional stress, the formations are removed with the help of medications or surgical methods. The growths may return after treatment.
Medications for the treatment of genital warts.
Preparations that are 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 effect of the condoms and the diaphragm and causes irritation of your partner's skin.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash, and fatigue. - podophyllotoxin- a resin of plant origin that destroys wart tissue on the genitals.
When using the product it is necessary to know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. The use of this medication during pregnancy is not recommended. 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 required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses electrical current to burn off warts.
- Surgical excision.The warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.The method, which uses an intense beam of light, is indicated for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists in sterile conditions.