Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a certain type of human papilloma virus (HPV). It occurs more often in women than in men.
The formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are small growths, often like cauliflower.
Some types of HPV gene stimulate the development of cancer cells. Vaccinations are used to prevent such health problems.
Signs
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. Sometimes these growths 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.
- Occurrence of itching or discomfort in the genital area.
- Bleeding during intercourse.
Genital warts can be so small and smooth 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 at risk of 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;
- immune suppression (for example, people living with HIV are at increased risk of getting HPV);
- sexual activity at a young age.
Reproductive complications after illness:
- Cancer.The disease is closely related to the infection of the reproductive organs. Certain types of HPV are also associated with cancer of the anus, vagina, mouth and throat. The human papillomavirus does not always lead to cancer, but women should have regular Pap smears, especially if they are at high risk of contracting a VSD.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations may enlarge, making it difficult to urinate. Growth on the vaginal wall reduces the ability of vaginal tissue to stretch during childbirth. large warts on the genitals or vaginal bleeding during labor. The mother often transmits the virus to the baby, and the baby develops warts, which are especially dangerous in the throat. In this case, a thorough examination and removal of growths is necessary so that the child can breathe freely.
Prevention
To avoid the development of HPV-related diseases, it is recommended:
- Use condoms during intercourse.This greatly reduces the risk of contracting genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.The drug protects against four cancer-causing strains of VSD and is used to prevent genital warts.
Another vaccine protects against cervical cancer but does not protect the genitals.
Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years. If vaccines are 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 sexual activity. Research has shown that people between the ages of 21 and 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects from vaccines are few and include soreness at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially among 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. They are then examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.
Pap test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic examinations and a 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 testing
Some 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 in women 30 years of age and older.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, no treatment is necessary. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or if the warts are the cause of emotional stress, then the formations are removed with the help of medicines or surgical methods. The growths may return after treatment.
Remedies to treat genital warts
Preparations applied to the skin:
- Imidazoquinolone cream. It 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 effectiveness of condoms and diaphragms and causes skin irritation for your partner.
Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body pain, cough, rash and fatigue. - Podophyllotoxin- a plant-based resin that destroys the tissue of warts on the genitals.
When using the product, you must know the precautions to avoid irritation. This drug 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, ulcers 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 with surgery are removed. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As healing progresses, the affected areas disappear. If the effect is not significant, repeated treatment is necessary. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electricity.A procedure that uses an electric current to burn off warts.
- Surgical excision.Warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.The method, which uses an intense light beam, is intended for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.
All procedures are performed by specialists under sterile conditions.