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 is more common in women than in men.
Formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are usually small growths that resemble cauliflowers.
Some types of genital HPV trigger the development of cancer cells. Vaccines are used to prevent such health problems.
symptoms
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 oral sex with an infected person.
Symptoms of genital warts:
- The appearance of small, flesh-colored or gray bumps in the genital area.
- Several clusters of warts located close together.
- Itching or discomfort in the genital area.
- Bleeding during sexual intercourse.
Genital warts may be too small and flat to be seen with the naked eye. Sometimes they form large clusters.
If bumps or warts appear on the genital area of a woman or her partner, you should consult a doctor.
reasons
There are more than 40 different types 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 contracting HPV);
- Sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to infection of the genital organs. Some types of HPV are also associated with cancers of the anus, penis, mouth and throat. Human papillomavirus does not always cause cancer, but women who are especially at high risk of contracting HPV should have regular Pap smear tests.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations can grow and make urination difficult. Growths in the vaginal wall reduce the ability of vaginal tissue to stretch during birth. 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 comprehensive examination and removal of growths is required so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To prevent the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of contracting genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.The drug protects against four types of cancer-causing HPV 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. If vaccinations were not given during childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under the age of 26 and boys and men under the age of 21 get vaccinated.
Medicines are effective if given before sexual activity. Studies have shown that people under the age of 21 and between the ages of 21-30 who receive the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects from vaccines are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headaches, low fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes, especially in young people, dizziness or fainting may occur after the injection.
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 with a colposcope, a special magnifying instrument.
Pap smear test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic examinations and vaginal cytology smears (Pap smears). These tests help detect changes in the vagina and cervix caused by genital warts or early signs of cervical cancer.
During the gynecological examination, a smear is taken from the outer and inner surfaces of the cervix with a special brush. The procedure is painless and takes 5-10 seconds. Cells are examined under a microscope.
HPV test
Various types of genital HPV are associated with cervical cancer. The tissue sample taken during the PAP test is tested for cancer-causing HPV types. It is performed on women aged 30 and over.
Treatment
If warts do not cause any discomfort, there is no need for treatment. However, if there is itching, burning and pain, or if the warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed with medication or surgical methods. Growths may return after treatment.
Medicines for the treatment of genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. It 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 effectiveness of the condom and diaphragm and causes irritation of your partner's skin.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash and fatigue. - podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys wart tissue on the genitals.
When using the product, you need to 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, ulcers, or itching.
- Sinekateshin.The cream is used to treat external genital warts and warts that form in or around the anal canal. Side effects include skin redness, itching, or burning.
You can not self-medicate so as not to provoke 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, 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 with special tools and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.The method, which uses an intense beam of light, is aimed at large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are carried out by experts under sterile conditions.