genital warts

Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by a certain type of human papillomavirus (HPV). Women are more likely to have this condition than men.These formations affect the mucous membranes of the genitals. These are small growths, often similar to cauliflower.

Certain strains of genital HPV can trigger the growth of cancer cells. Vaccines are used to prevent such health problems.

symptom

In women, genital warts can develop on the external genitalia, vaginal walls, the area between the external genitalia and anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. In men, the glans, 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:

1. Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area.
2. A cluster consisting of several warts close to each other.
3. Itching or discomfort in the genital area.
4. Bleeding during intercourse.

Genital warts may be small, flat, and invisible to the naked eye. Sometimes they form large clusters.
If a woman or her partner develops lumps or warts in the genital area, you should see your doctor.

reason

There are more than 40 different strains of HPV that can 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 may increase the risk of infection include:

• having unprotected sex with multiple partners;
• Immunity is suppressed (e. g. , people living with HIV are at increased risk for HPV infection);
• Sexual activity occurs early in life.

Genital complications after illness:

• cancer.The disease is closely related to genital infections. Certain types of HPV are also linked to 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 contracting HPV.
• Problems During Pregnancy.These structures may enlarge, causing difficulty urinating. Growths on the vaginal walls can reduce the ability of vaginal tissues to stretch during labor. Large warts on the genitals or vagina may bleed during delivery. Mothers often pass the virus to their children, and the children will develop warts, especially warts in the throat, which are very dangerous. In this case, the growth needs to be thoroughly inspected and removed so that the child can breathe freely.

prevention

To avoid developing HPV-related illnesses, it is recommended to:

• Use condoms during sex.This significantly reduces the risk of contracting genital warts.
• vaccination.The drug protects against four strains of the HPV virus 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 not vaccinated in childhood, it is recommended for girls and women up to 26 years of age and for boys and men up to 21 years of age.These medications are effective if taken before sexual intercourse. Research shows that people under 21 and those between 21 and 30 have a 50% chance of being protected from infection after receiving the HPV vaccine.

Side effects from the vaccine are mild and include soreness at the injection site (shoulder), headache, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after an injection, especially in teenagers.

diagnosis

Genital warts are often hard to spot, so doctors apply a weak acetic acid solution to the genitals to whiten the warts. They are then examined through a special magnifying instrument - a colposcope.

Pap smear test

It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams and vaginal cytology smears (Pap smears). These tests can help detect changes in the vagina and cervix caused by genital warts or early symptoms of cervical cancer.During a gynecological exam, a special brush is used to take smears from the outer and inner surfaces of the cervix. The procedure is painless and takes only 5-10 seconds. Examine the cells under a microscope.

HPV testing

Several types of genital HPV are associated with cervical cancer. Tissue samples collected during a PAP test are used to detect the presence of cancer-causing strains of HPV. It was performed in women aged 30 and older.

treat

If the wart causes no discomfort, no treatment is needed. But if itching, burning, and pain occur, or the warts cause emotional stress, warts can be removed with medication or surgery. Growth may resume after treatment.

Drugs to treat genital warts

Preparations suitable for use on the skin:

1. 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 can weaken the effectiveness of condoms and diaphragms and cause irritation to your partner's skin.
   Side effects: skin redness, blisters, body aches, cough, rash, and fatigue.
2. podophyllotoxin- A plant resin that destroys wart tissue on the genitals.
   When using the product, you need to know the precautions to avoid causing irritation. This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Side effects: Mild skin irritation, itching.
3. Trichloroacetic acid.This medication burns genital warts and is used to remove internal warts. Side effects include mild skin irritation, ulceration, or itching.
4. Polycatechins.This 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 to avoid serious complications.

Surgery

Large warts that cannot be treated can be surgically removed. Treatment programs:

1. Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).As healing progresses, the affected area will disappear. If the effect is not significant, the treatment will need to be repeated. Pain and swelling are side effects.
2. Electrocautery.Surgery that uses an electric current to burn away warts.
3. Surgery.Special instruments are used to remove the wart and anesthesia is administered.
4. Laser surgery.This method uses a powerful beam and is suitable for large warts. Side effects include scarring and pain.

All procedures are performed by experts under sterile conditions.