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.
Formations affect the mucous membrane of the genitals. These are small growths, often similar to cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV cause cancer cells to develop. Vaccinations are used to prevent such health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can grow 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 flesh-colored or gray swelling in the genital area.
- A cluster of several warts located close to each other.
- 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 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 have an increased risk of getting HPV);
- sexual activities at an early age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to infection of the genital organs. Certain types of HPV are also linked to cancer 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 HPV infection.
- Problems during pregnancy.Formations can increase, making urination difficult. Growths on the vaginal wall reduce the ability of the 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 detailed examination and removal of growths is required so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
In order to avoid the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended to:
- Use condoms during sexual 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 against genital warts.
Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 and 12. If vaccinations were not given in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women up to 26 years of age and boys and men up to 21 years of age receive the vaccine.
Medicines are effective if given 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), 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 the genitals to whiten the warts. They are then examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to undergo regular pelvic examinations and undergo a vaginal cytological smear (Pap test). 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 have been linked to cervical cancer. A tissue sample taken during a Pap test is tested for the strains of HPV that cause cancer. It is performed in women aged 30 and over.
Treatment
If warts do not cause discomfort, treatment is not necessary. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or 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:
- Cream with imidazoquinolone. Strengthens the ability of the immune system to fight against genital warts. Sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. This weakens the performance of the condom and the diaphragm and causes irritation to your partner's skin.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- plant-based resin that destroys the tissue of genital warts.
When using the product, you must know 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, sores 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 cause serious complications.
Operation
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 effect is insignificant, it is necessary to repeat the treatment. 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 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 performed by specialists in sterile conditions.