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 occurs more often in women than in men.
The formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are small growths that often look like cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV cause the development of cancer cells. Vaccines are used to prevent such health problems.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts can grow on the external genitalia, on the vaginal walls, between the external genitalia and the anus, in the anal canal, and on 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 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.
If a woman or her partner develops lumps or warts on the genitals, you should consult a doctor.
Reasons
There are more than 40 different strains of HPV that affect the genitals. People with weak immunity 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 more than one partner;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people living with HIV are at increased risk of acquiring HPV);
- sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to genital infections. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancers 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.Formations can grow, which makes it difficult to urinate. Growths on the vaginal wall reduce the stretchability of the vaginal tissue during childbirth. During childbirth, large warts on the genitals or vagina bleed. The mother often transmits the virus to the child, and the baby develops warts in the throat, which are especially dangerous. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of growths is required for the child to breathe freely.
Prevention
It is recommended to prevent the development of HPV-related diseases:
- Use condoms during sex.This significantly reduces the risk of contracting genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.The drug protects against four HPV strains 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 not vaccinated in childhood, vaccination is recommended for girls and women up to 26 years of age, and for boys and men under 21 years of age.
Medicines are effective when given before intercourse. 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 from infection.
Side effects of vaccines are mild and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headaches, 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 the genitals to whiten the warts. Then they are examined using a special magnifying tool - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important for women to undergo regular pelvic examinations and vaginal cytological smears (Pap smears). These tests help detect changes in the vagina and cervix 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. 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 checked for HPV strains that cause cancer. It is performed in women over 30 years old.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, no treatment is required. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or if the warts cause emotional stress, then the formations are removed with the help of drugs or surgical methods. After treatment, the growths may return.
Medicines for the treatment of genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. Strengthens the immune system's ability to fight against genital warts. Sexual intercourse should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. This weakens the effect of condoms and the diaphragm and causes skin irritation in your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys the tissue of genital warts.
When using the product, you should know the precautions to avoid 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 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.
You cannot self-medicate in order not to cause serious complications.
Surgery
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 required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses an electric current to burn warts.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed with special tools and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.The method using 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.