Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. This disease is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This occurs more often in women than in men.
Such formations affect the mucous membrane of the genitals. These are small growths, often similar to cauliflower.
Some types of genital HPV trigger the development of cancer cells. Vaccination is used to prevent these health problems.
Symptom
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 penis, scrotum or anus are affected. These growths sometimes form in the mouth or throat after having oral sex with an infected person.
Symptoms of genital warts:
- The appearance of small flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area.
- A group of several warts located close to each other.
- There is 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 experiences lumps or warts in the genital area.
Reason
There are more than 40 different types of HPV that attack the genital area. People with a weak immune system are susceptible to HPV infection. They are more likely to experience health problems.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of infection include:
- unprotected sex with multiple partners;
- reduced immunity (for example, people living with HIV are at higher risk of contracting HPV);
- sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.This disease is closely related to infection of the genitals. Certain types of HPV have also been linked to 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 contracting HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations can enlarge, making urination difficult. Growths on the vaginal walls reduce the ability of the vaginal tissue to stretch during childbirth. Large warts on the genitals or vagina bleed during childbirth. Mothers often transmit the virus to their children, and their babies suffer from warts, which are especially dangerous in the throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of the growth is required so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To avoid the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended:
- Use a condom when having sexual intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of contracting genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.This drug protects against four types of HPV that cause cancer and is used to prevent genital warts.
Other vaccines protect against cervical cancer but do not protect against genital warts.
Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years. If vaccination was not given in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under 26 years of age, as well as boys and men under 21 years of age, receive the vaccine.
The drug is effective if given before sexual activity. Research shows 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 from the vaccine are mild and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headache, mild fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnostic
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so doctors will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to the genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined through a special magnifying device - a colposcope.
Pap test
It is important for women to undergo regular pelvic examinations and undergo vaginal cytology examinations (Pap smears). 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 surfaces of the cervix. This procedure is painless and takes 5-10 seconds. The cells are examined under a microscope.
HPV test
Some types of genital HPV are associated with cervical cancer. Tissue samples taken during a PAP test are tested to determine the type of HPV that causes cancer. This is done on women aged 30 years and over.
Treatment
If the wart does not cause discomfort, treatment is not necessary. However, if itching, burning and pain occurs, or the wart causes emotional stress, then the formation is removed with the help of medication or surgical methods. The growth may return 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 while the cream is still on the skin. This weakens the effect of the condom and diaphragm and causes skin irritation in your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body aches, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophylotoxin- vegetable resin that destroys wart tissue on the genitals.
When using the product, you need to know the precautions so as not to cause irritation. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Side effects: mild skin irritation, itching. - Trichloroacetic acid.This medication burns genital warts and is used to remove internal warts. Side effects include mild skin irritation, ulcers or itching.
- Synecatechin.This cream is used to treat external genital warts and warts in or around the anal canal. Side effects include redness, itching or burning of the skin.
You cannot self-medicate so as not to provoke serious complications.
Operation
Large warts that cannot be treated are removed surgically. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As healing progresses, the affected area will disappear. If the effect is insignificant, repeated treatment is necessary. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses an electric current to burn off the wart.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.This method, which uses intense light beams, is intended for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.