Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a certain type of human papillomavirus (HPV). This occurs more often in women than in men.
The formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are small sprouts, often similar to cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV cause cancer cells to develop. Vaccines are used to prevent such health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can develop 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 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 sex.
Genital warts can be so small and flat that they are not visible to the naked eye. Sometimes they form large clusters.
You should consult a doctor if a woman or her partner develops bumps or warts in the genital area.
Causes
There are over 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 with HIV are at increased risk of contracting HPV);
- sexual activity from an early age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to infection of the genitals. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancers of the anus, penis, mouth and throat. The human papillomavirus does not always lead to cancer, but women should have regular Pap tests, especially if they are at high risk of contracting HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations may enlarge, making 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. The mother often transmits the virus to the child and the baby develops particularly dangerous warts on the throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of growths is necessary so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To prevent the development of diseases associated with HPV, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during sex.This significantly reduces the risk of contracting genital warts.
- To get 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 vaccines were not given during childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under the age of 26, as well as boys and men under the age of 21, be vaccinated.
Medications are effective if given before sexual activity. Research has shown that people under the age of 21 and 21 to 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected against infection.
Side effects of 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 adolescents.
Diagnostic
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 using a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
Pap test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and a vaginal cytology 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 on the external and internal surface of the cervix. The procedure is painless and takes 5 to 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 smear is tested for strains of HPV that cause cancer. It is performed in women aged 30 and over.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, no treatment is necessary. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or the warts cause emotional stress, the formations are removed using medications or surgical methods. The growths may reappear after treatment.
Medicines for the treatment of genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. Strengthens the immune system's ability to fight genital warts. Sexual contact should be avoided when the cream is in contact with 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 warts on the genitals.
When using the product, you should know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. 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 located 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 surgically removed. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As healing occurs, 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 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 in sterile conditions.