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 membranes of the genital organs. These are small growths, often cauliflower-like.
Some strains of genital HPV 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, vaginal walls, the area between the external genitalia and the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. In men, the 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:
- The appearance of small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area.
- A group of several warts located close to each other.
- The appearance of 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 clusters.
You should see a doctor if a woman or her partner develops lumps or warts in the genital area.
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 (for example, people living with HIV are at increased risk of acquiring HPV);
- sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Crab.The disease is closely related to infection of the genital organs. Some types of HPV are also associated with cancer of the anus, penis, mouth, and throat. Human papillomavirus does not always lead to cancer, but women should get Pap smears regularly, especially if they are at high risk of HPV infection.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations can enlarge, making it difficult to urinate. Growths on the vaginal wall reduce the ability of the 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 baby develops warts, which are especially dangerous in the throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of the formations is necessary so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To avoid the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended to:
- Use condoms during intercourse.This greatly 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 years. If they were not vaccinated in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under the age of 26, as well as boys and men under the age of 21, get the vaccine.
The drugs are effective if given before sexual activity. Research shows that people under the age of 21 and between the ages of 21 and 30 who receive the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects from vaccines are minor and include soreness at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
Diagnosis
Genital warts are often difficult to detect, so your doctor will apply a weak solution of acetic acid to the genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined with a special magnifying tool - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and have a vaginal Pap smear (Pap smear). 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 have been linked to cervical cancer. A tissue sample taken during a PAP test is tested for strains of HPV that cause cancer. It is performed on women over the age of 30.
Treatment
If warts do not cause discomfort, treatment is not required. But if there is itching, burning and pain or the warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed using drugs or surgical methods. Growths may return after treatment.
Medicines to treat genital warts
Preparations that are 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 on the skin. This weakens the effect of condoms and the diaphragm and causes irritation to your partner's skin.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash, and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys genital wart tissue.
When using the product, you should know the precautions to avoid 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, sores, or itching.
- Synecatechin.The cream is used to treat external genital warts and warts 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.
surgery
Large warts that cannot be treated are surgically removed. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As treatment progresses, the affected areas disappear. If the effect is insignificant, re-treatment is necessary. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses an 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 intended for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists in sterile conditions.