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 genitals. These are small growths, often resembling cauliflower.
Some strains of genital HPV provoke the development of cancer cells. Vaccination is used to prevent such health problems.
symptoms
In women, genital warts can grow on the external genitalia, the walls of the vagina, between the external genitalia and the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. In men, the penis, scrotum or anus is affected. These growths sometimes appear 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.
- Clusters 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 clusters.
You should consult a doctor if a woman or her partner develops tumors or warts in the genital area.
Reasons
There are more than 40 different strains of HPV that affect the genitals. 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;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people infected with HIV have an increased risk of acquiring HPV);
- Sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to the infection of the genital organs. Certain types of HPV are also associated with 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.
- problems during pregnancy.The growths may 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 vaginal bleeding during childbirth. The mother often transmits the virus to the child, and the child develops warts, which are especially dangerous in the throat area. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of formations 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 intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of genital warts becoming infected.
- 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 11- and 12-year-old boys and girls. If vaccination was not carried out in childhood, it is recommended for girls and women under 26 years of age, and for boys and men under 21 years of age.
The drugs are effective if taken before intercourse. 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 against infection.
Side effects of vaccines are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or weakness occurs after the injection, especially in adolescents.
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 through a special magnifying tool - a colposcope.
PAP test
It is important that women have regular pelvic exams and vaginal smears (Pap smears). These tests help detect vaginal and cervical changes 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 lasts 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 strains of HPV that cause cancer. It is performed in women over 30 years old.
treatment
If warts do not cause discomfort, treatment is not necessary. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or 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
Drugs 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 the condom and the diaphragm and causes skin irritation on your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body aches, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- Plant resin that destroys wart tissue on the genitals.
Precautions should be taken when using the product to avoid irritation. The use of this drug is not recommended 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 without causing 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 the warts.
- surgical excision.Warts are removed with special tools and anesthesia is administered.
- 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.