Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a 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 resembling cauliflower.
Some genital HPV strains provoke 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 head of the 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:
- The appearance of a small, flesh-colored or gray swelling 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 with the naked eye. Sometimes they form large groups.
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 may increase the risk of infection include:
- unprotected sex with multiple partners;
- weakened immunity (for example, HIV-infected people are at greater risk of contracting HPV);
- sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to genital infection. Certain types of HPV are also linked to cancer 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 for HPV infection.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations may increase, making it difficult to urinate. Growths on the vaginal wall reduce the ability of the vaginal tissues 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 baby develops warts, which are especially dangerous in the throat. In this case, it is necessary to thoroughly examine and remove growths so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended to:
- Use condoms 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 against genital warts.
Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for 11- and 12-year-old boys and girls. If children were not vaccinated, vaccination is recommended for girls and women up to 26 years of age, and for boys and men up to 21 years of age.
Medicines are effective if taken before sexual intercourse. Studies have shown that people under the age of 21 and between the ages of 21 and 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects of vaccines are mild and include pain at the injection site (shoulders), headache, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnostics
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so your doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to your genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
Pap test
For women, it is important to regularly check the pelvic organs and perform a vaginal cytological smear (Pap smear). These tests help identify changes in the vagina and cervix due to 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. 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 test is tested for HPV strains that cause cancer. It is performed on women aged 30 and older.
Treatment
If warts do not cause discomfort, treatment is not required. But if there is itching, burning and pain or warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed with drugs or surgical methods. After treatment, growths may return.
Medicines to treat genital warts
Preparations used on the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. 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 effect of condoms and diaphragms and irritates your partner's skin.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash, and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- resin of plant origin, which destroys the tissue of warts on the genitals.
When using the product, you must be aware of the precautions 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 anus. Side effects include redness, itching or burning of the skin.
Do not 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 the treatment progresses, the affected areas disappear. If the effect is insignificant, repeated treatment is required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses an electric current to burn off the warts.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.A method that uses an intense beam of light for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.