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 the development of cancer cells. Vaccinations are used to prevent such health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can grow on the external genitalia, vaginal walls, the area between the external genitalia and the anus, the anal canal and the cervix. In men, 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:
- A small, flesh-colored or gray swelling on the genitals.
- A cluster of several warts located close to each other.
- Occurrence of genital itching or discomfort.
- Bleeding during intercourse.
Genital warts can be so small and flat that they are not visible to the naked eye. Sometimes they form large clusters.
You should see a doctor if a woman or her partner develops genital warts or lumps.
Reasons
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 can increase the risk of infection include:
- unprotected sex with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (eg, people living with HIV are at increased risk of HPV);
- sex at a young age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to genital infection. Certain types of HPV are also linked to cancers of the anus, penile, 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 for HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations may enlarge, making it difficult to urinate. Vaginal growth reduces the ability of 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 child gets 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 diseases related to HPV, it is recommended:
- Use a condom during sex.This significantly reduces the risk of developing 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 years. If vaccinations were not given in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under the age of 26 and boys and men under the age of 21 receive the vaccine.
The drugs are effective if given before sex. Studies have shown that people under the age of 21 and from the age of 21 to 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected against infection.
Side effects from vaccines are minor and include soreness at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low fever or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Analysis
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so the doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to the genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined with a special magnifying device - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to undergo regular pelvic examinations and undergo 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 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 are associated with cervical cancer. A biopsy taken during a Pap test is tested for strains of HPV that cause cancer. It is done in women 30 years and older.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, no treatment is needed. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed with the help of drugs or surgery. Growths may return after treatment.
Medicines for the treatment of genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoloquinolone cream. Strengthens the immune system's ability to fight genital warts. Sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. This reduces the effect of condoms and diaphragms and causes skin irritation on your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body aches, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys genital wart tissue.
When using the product, you need to know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. It is not recommended to use this medicine during pregnancy. Side effects: Mild skin irritation, itching. - Trichloroacetic acid.This remedy burns genital warts and is used to remove internal warts. Side effects are mild skin irritation, sores or itching.
- Synecatechin.The cream is used to treat external genital warts and warts in or around the anus. Side effects include skin redness, itching or burning.
You can not self-medicate so as not to cause serious complications.
Surgery
Large untreatable warts 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 required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electricity.A method that uses an electric current to burn off warts.
- Surgery.Warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser functions.The procedure, which uses a strong beam of light, is intended for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.