Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a specific type of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is more common in women than in men.
Formations affect the mucous membrane of the genitals. These are usually small growths that look like cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV stimulate the development of cancer cells. 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, genital tube or anus are affected. Sometimes these growths appear 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 tumor in the genital area.
- A cluster of several warts located close to each other.
- Itching or discomfort in the genital area.
- Bleeding during intercourse.
Genital warts can be so small and flat that they cannot be seen. Sometimes they form large clusters.
If a woman or her partner develops warts or tumors on the genitals, a doctor should be consulted.
Reasons
There are more than 40 different strains of HPV that affect the genitals. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to HPV infection. They are more prone to health problems.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of infection include:
- unprotected sex with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (eg, people living with HIV are at increased risk of HPV);
- early sexual activity.
Complications after genital diseases:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to genital infections. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancers of the anus, genitals, mouth, and throat. Human papillomavirus does not always cause cancer, but women should have regular Pap smears, especially if they are at high risk for HPV infection.
- Problems during pregnancy.Formations grow and make it difficult to urinate. Growths in the vaginal wall reduce the possibility of stretching of the vaginal tissue during childbirth. Large genital or vaginal warts bleed during labor. The baby often gets the virus from the mother, and the baby gets warts, which is especially dangerous for food. In this case, a careful 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 to:
- Use a condom during sex.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. If vaccination was not given in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under 26 years of age, boys and men under 21 years of age receive the vaccine.
Medicines are most effective if given before sexual activity. Studies have shown that people under the age of 21 and between the ages of 21 and 30 who receive the HPV vaccine are 50% protected against infection.
Side effects of vaccines are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headache, fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnostics
Genital warts are difficult to detect, so the doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to the genitals to whiten the wart. Then they are examined using a special magnifying device - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and vaginal smears (PAP). These tests help detect changes in the vagina and cervix that may be caused by genital warts or early signs of cervical cancer.
During a gynecological examination, a smear is taken from the outer and inner surface of the cervix with a special brush. 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 HPV strains that cause cancer. It is performed on women over 30 years old.
To treat
Warts do not require treatment if they do not cause discomfort. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or if the wart causes emotional stress, then the structure is removed with drugs or surgical methods. Growths may return after treatment.
Medicines to treat genital warts
Skin preparations:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. Strengthens the immune system's ability to fight against genital warts. When the cream is on the skin, sexual intercourse should be avoided. This weakens the effect of condoms and the diaphragm and causes irritation of your partner's skin.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body aches, cough, rash, and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- plant-based resin that destroys the tissue of genital warts.
Precautions should be taken when using the product to avoid irritation. This medicine 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, sores, or itching.
- Synecatechin.The 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.
Do not self-medicate to avoid serious consequences.
Surgery
Large warts that cannot be treated are surgically removed. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).With healing, the affected areas will disappear. If the effect is not noticeable, repeated treatment is necessary. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses electricity to burn the warts.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is used.
- 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 under sterile conditions.