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 membranes of the genitals. These are small growths, often similar to 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, vaginal walls, 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 small, flesh-colored or gray swelling in the genital area.
- A cluster of several warts located close to each other.
- The occurrence 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 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 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 acquiring 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. 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 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 labor. 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 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 sexual intercourse.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.
Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years. If vaccinations 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.
The drugs are effective if given before sexual activity. Research has shown that people under the age of 21 and from 21 to 30 years of age who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects from vaccines are minor and include soreness at the injection site (shoulder), headaches, low 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 the genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to undergo regular pelvic examinations and undergo a vaginal cytology smear (Pap smear). 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.
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 in women aged 30 years and older.
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. The growths may return after treatment.
Medicines 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 condoms and the diaphragm and causes skin irritation on your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys the tissue of warts on the genitals.
When using the product, you need to know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. This drug 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, 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 required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses electric current to burn off 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 carried out by specialists under sterile conditions.