What are genital warts?
Genital warts are soft, raised growths that appear on the genital area. They are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and are among the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting both men and women. Genital warts can be more dangerous for women because certain types of HPV can lead to cervical or vaginal cancer. Choosing the right treatment and a qualified physician is a key concern for patients with HPV and genital warts.
How are genital warts diagnosed?
It is important to differentiate between the HPV virus and genital warts. HPV infects the body, but warts only appear when the immune system is weakened, allowing the virus to form visible growths on the skin. Not everyone infected with HPV develops genital warts; such individuals are called asymptomatic carriers, meaning they can transmit the virus without showing any visible warts.
Since HPV cannot be seen with the naked eye, medical tests are required for diagnosis. Moreover, genital warts can look similar to other conditions such as herpes, so only a doctor can accurately diagnose genital warts through examination and testing.
How do you know when and how you got HPV or genital warts?
HPV and genital warts are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Rarely, they can spread via non-sexual means, such as shared towels. The incubation period of HPV can range from 3 days to 30 years or more. This means it can take days, years, or even a lifetime after infection for warts to appear, making it almost impossible to determine the exact time of infection.
Symptoms of genital warts
HPV is often asymptomatic and invisible to the naked eye. Genital warts, however, appear as cauliflower-like growths, which can be smooth or slightly rough. They may cause itching or discoloration and can occur as single warts or clusters. Warts can be very small, hidden from view, or develop inside the urethra, vagina, cervix, or other internal genital tissues.
Common locations in men:
Penis
Scrotum
Groin
Urethra
Around the anus
Skin under the lower abdomen
Common locations in women:
Inside the vagina
Around the anus
External vaginal area
Cervix
Skin under the lower abdomen
HPV can also affect the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat of individuals who have had oral contact with an infected partner.
How HPV and genital warts are transmitted
Genital warts are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but the infection is not guaranteed after exposure. The risk of transmission is higher if the infected person has active warts.
Other, less common transmission routes:
Public restrooms
Shared hair removal or waxing tools in unclean centers
From mother to baby during childbirth
Sharing underwear, towels, or razors
Exposure to contaminated swimming pool or gym equipment
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent HPV infection is through the Gardasil vaccine. Ideally, it should be administered before the first sexual encounter. Even if someone is sexually active but not yet infected, the vaccine can still provide protection. Gardasil has no strict age limit and can be administered to anyone.
How to get the vaccine:
A doctor can prescribe the vaccine and guide you on how to receive it from an approved pharmacy.
Treatment of genital warts
While genital warts can be treated, HPV itself has no cure. Individuals remain carriers for life and can potentially transmit the virus. Immediate consultation with a specialist is crucial upon noticing any warts.
Why treatment is important:
Even if you feel hesitant or think it is unnecessary because HPV has no cure, warts must be treated. Untreated warts can spread to other areas, including the urethra, anus, or cervix, and increase the risk of cancer. Early treatment helps prevent complications and reduces the risk of transmission.
Effective treatments:
Cryotherapy: This is the preferred method, where warts are frozen, causing them to dry out and fall off. Freezing prevents the viral fluid inside warts from spreading to surrounding skin.
Surgical removal: Large warts, those affecting internal areas like the urethra, anus, or cervix, may require surgical excision.
Methods to avoid:
Burning or laser treatments are generally not recommended, as they can rupture the wart and spread viral fluid to surrounding skin.
Key points
Genital warts are a visible manifestation of HPV infection.
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent complications and reduce transmission.
Cryotherapy is the safest and most effective treatment for warts.
HPV vaccination (Gardasil) is the best preventive measure.
Regular medical check-ups are essential, especially for women, to monitor and prevent potential cervical cancer.