Genital Warts
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding genital warts.
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are a very common sexually transmitted infection that cause bumps to appear in areas such as the vagina, penis, and scrotum.
What are the symptoms of genital warts infection?
Genital warts are usually painless, but they may cause itching at times. They can appear as bumps, be flat-shaped, or appear in clusters.
- In cases of genital warts infection, the following may also be noticed:
- Differences in urine flow, such as urine flowing at an angle or blood in the urine (in men).
- Sores in the vagina (in women).
Blood in stool.
What are the causesand risk factors (HPVfor genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus(HPV). You can contract HPV through skin-to-skincontact during sex with an infected person.
There are about forty types of HPV that can cause genital warts. Other types of HPV are linked to cervical cancer. The HPV types that cause genital warts are unlikely to cause cancer.
Warts usually appear within 3 months of sexual contact. If a person has HPV but no symptoms, they can still transmit the virus to others.
What are the diagnostic methods?:
- The doctor takes the patient’s medical history and conducts a clinical examination and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
The doctor will diagnose genital warts by looking at the bumps on the skin. The doctor may also suggest screening for other sexually transmitted diseases at the same time.
What are the treatment methods for genital warts?
- Genital warts may disappear without the need for treatment. However, if they are painful, unsightly, itchy, or bothersome, they can be treated. The treatment does not eliminate the virus itself, only the outward signs. The immune system may eliminate the virus, or it may persist undetected. Treatment is carried out with several procedures or as needed and may include the following:
- Freezing (cryotherapy) or burning.
- Laser treatment.
- Creams to boost the immune system to fight HPV.
Surgery.
- What are the prevention methods for genital warts?
- Receiving the HPV vaccine as it protects individuals from the types of HPV that cause most genital warts and also the high-risk HPV types that cause cancer.
Avoid sexual contact with an infected person.
- What are the complications of genital warts?
- Disfigurement of the areas where warts are present is the most common complication of this disease.
If the disease is untreated or progresses to an advanced stage, there is a risk of it becoming malignant, which is among the most concerning complications. The current standard of care and primary prevention strategies, including vaccination, emphasize preventing this severe outcome.
When should you see a doctor?
- You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- One or more painless bumps or lumps around the vagina or penis.
- Itching or bleeding from your genitals.
- A change in your normal urine flow (e.g., starting to flow sideways) that doesn’t go away.
Your partner has genital warts, even if you have no symptoms.
These symptoms may indicate that you are infected with genital warts. Treatment can help remove the warts and stop the spread of the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the potential danger of not treating genital warts?
The danger lies in the possibility of the disease developing into cancer, making it a worrying complication that requires early intervention.
When do genital warts appear after contact with an infected person?
