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 men.
Formations affect the mucous membrane of the genitals. These are small growths, often resembling cauliflowers.
Some strains of genital HPV provoke the growth 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, 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 are affected. These growths sometimesIt forms in the mouth or throat after oral sex with an infected person.
Symptoms of genital warts:
- The appearance of small, flesh-colored or brown swelling in the genital area.
- A group of several moles located close to each other.
- Occurrence of itching or discomfort in the genital area.
- Bleeding during intercourse.
Genital warts may 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 in the genital area, you should consult a doctor.
Reason
There are more than 40 different types of HPV that affect the genital area. People with weak immune systems are susceptible to HPV infection. They are more likely to develop health problems.
risk
Factors that increase the risk of infection include:
- Unprotected sex with multiple partners;
- suppressed immunity (for example, people with HIV have an increased risk of acquiring HPV);
- Sexual activity at an early age.
Genital complications after the disease:
- cancer.This 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 cause cancer, but women should have regular Pap smears. should, especially if they are at high risk of getting HPV.
- Problems during pregnancy.The formations may become larger, making it difficult to urinate. Growths on the vaginal wall reduce the ability of the vaginal tissues to stretch during childbirth. Larger warts on the genitals or vagina may cause bleeding during delivery. . 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 the growth is required so that the baby can breathe freely. .
prevention
To avoid developing diseases associated with HPV it is recommended:
- Use condom during sexual intercourse.This significantly reduces the risk of genital warts.
- Get vaccinated.This drug protects against four types 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. If vaccination was not done in childhood, it is recommended that girls and women under 26 and over 21Young boys and men should be vaccinated.
The medications are effective if given before sexual activity. Research has shown that people under the age of 21 and ages 21 to 30 who have received the HPV vaccine are 50% protected from infection.
Side effects from the vaccines are minor and include pain at the injection site (shoulder), headache, mild fever or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in teenagers.
diagnosis
Genital warts are often difficult to spot, 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 or Pap smear test
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and vaginal cytology smears (Pap smears). These tests help detect changes in the vagina and cervix due to genital warts or early symptoms of cervical cancer.
During a gynecological examination a smear is taken 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 are linked to cervical cancer. The tissue sample taken during a Pap test is tested for the types of HPV that cause cancer. It is done in women 30 years of age and oldergoes.
Treatment
If the warts do not cause discomfort, treatment is not required. But if there is itching, burning and pain, or the warts cause emotional stress, the formations are removed with the help of medications or surgical methods. TreatmentGrowth may return after.
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 when the cream is applied to the skin. This weakens the effect of condoms and diaphragms and may irritate your partner's skin.
Side effects: Skin redness, blisters, body ache, cough, rash, and fatigue. - podophyllotoxin– A plant-based resin that destroys the tissue of genital warts.
When using the product, you need to know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. The use of this medicine 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, 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 cannot self-medicate so that serious complications do not arise.
Surgery
Larger warts that cannot be treated are removed surgically. Treatment options:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As treatment progresses, the affected areas disappear. If the effect is negligible, repeated treatments are required. Pain and swelling are side effects.
- Electrocautery.A procedure that uses an electric current to burn away warts.
- Surgical excision.The warts are removed with special instruments and anesthesia is applied.
- Laser procedures.This method, which uses an intense beam of light, is for larger warts. Side effects include bruising and pain.
All procedures are performed by experts under sterile conditions.