Genital Warts caused by Human PapillomaVirus (HPV), is the most common type of STI or Sexually transmitted Infections. Looking like small flesh-colored bumps, these soft growths affect the moist tissues of the genital area of the human body. In some cases, the warts are too small to be identified but they can cause itching, discomfort, and pain in the infected area. This disease can affect most of the sexually active people at some point in their life.
Symptoms
This infection spreads through sexual activity – oral, vaginal, or even anal. In some cases, the symptoms do not show for several weeks or months. They may not be visible due to their small size, and color of the skin. Sometimes they may be of different color of skin and may grow in clusters. The upper portion of the growth resembles a cauliflower and may feel bumpy to the touch. Some of the symptoms of genital warts are:
- Itching
- Bleeding
- Burning
- Vaginal discharge in the female
Warts occur in males in the following areas – penis, scrotum, groin region, inside or outside the anus, or thighs and in females – inside/outside of the vagina or anus or on the cervix. It may also affect lips, tongue, throat, mouth when someone has oral sexual contact with an HPV infected person.
Causes
The majority of the genital warts are caused due to a few out of 30-40 strains of HPV. They always transmit through sexual contact and can’t spread from someone’s hand to genitals and vice versa. These warts do not have to be visible for spreading the infection to a sexual partner.
However, these infections need not necessarily lead to genital warts. Sometimes, these viruses infect and can go away on their own.
Treatment
According to medical resources, the visible genital warts often go away with time; but HPV can remain on skin cells. They can affect your genitals many times in their life. Due to this reason, doctors have been seen to manage the symptoms of the disease, for avoiding further transmittance. For diagnosis, physicians enquire about the patient’s sexual history and particulars, along with physical examinations. In females, the diagnosis is done through a pelvic examination, Pap test, colposcopy, or DNA test as they occur inside the body. Some of the popular genital wart medications that are recommended by the physicians are:
- Imiquimod (Aldara)
- Podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox)
- Trichloroacetic acid or TCA
When the prescribed medications don’t work, then it has been seen that the doctors opt for minor surgeries on the patients which include:
- Laser treatment
- Excision or snipping off warts
- Injection of interferon drug
- Freezing warts or cryosurgery
- Burning with electric currents or electrocautery
Patients are always advised by the doctors, not to apply OTC treatments for hand warts on genital warts. This is because the strength of the treatment designed for genital warts is much less than the treatment of hand warts. Thus using a stronger treatment will only result in worsening the disease. Doctors always recommend patients for consultation before they start using home remedies.
Safe sexual activities, i.e. usage of condoms or dental dams during sex reduce the risk of getting genital warts. Physical barriers to the prevention of transmittance are the most crucial aspect, as the chances can’t be eliminated.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://www.healthline.com/health/std/genital-warts
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234
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