Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV virus will spread from one to another by vaginal, oral, or anal sex and so also the warts spread from one to another by direct skin to skin contact. They can occur within a few days of coming in contact with the virus or may take months and years to appear for the first time. The warts vary in size. They can be small enough to not be seen by the naked eye and large lesions which are single or group of lesions looking like a cauliflower like growth on the skin. They are fleshy and grow in and around the genitals, the mouth and the anus. Sometimes they may get inflamed and cause pain and itching.
There is no treatment for HPV, but genital warts can be treated.
- Cryosurgery (freeze off the warts with liquid nitrogen).
- Excision (cut out the warts).
- Electrocautery (destroy the warts with an electric current).
- Laser treatment (destroy the warts with laser light).
- Chemical treatments
It is important to note that only warts can be removed but there is treatment for the virus. The warts can be left alone in case they are tiny and do not interfere with any routine function. They do not convert into cancer.
Impact on pregnancy
- During pregnancy they can grow in size and bleed.
- Block the vaginal passage and thereby lead to a caesarean section.
- HPV virus may infect the baby’s lungs and cause warts in the respiratory tract of the baby.
Prevention:
- Safe sex is most important step. Condoms are effective in preventing all sexually transmitted infections. It is important to note that HPV spreads by direct contact and so may spread from areas that are not covered by the condom.
- The HPV vaccine is approved for people from age 9 years to up to 45 years.
- Avoid Douching
- HPV virus can cause cervical cancer. Therefore, women with warts should do the pap test regularly so that any cervical changes can be identified and treated if necessary.