GENITAL WARTS
Genital warts are the most common reason for a visit to the Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic.
Warts are caused by viruses and generally take about three months to develop from the time of infection.
What are warts?
Genital warts are small non-cancerous abnormalities on the skin of the genital area that give the sensation of a hard, irregular lump before their appearance.
They are usually more than one. They can appear anywhere in the genital region, even in the rectum, even if there is no anal contact.
Genital warts are caused by the virus, medically known as HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
There are many subtypes of this virus, but only a few can cause genital warts.
It is estimated that over half of the active sexually active population of men and women has been exposed to the virus, but only a small percentage will develop visible warts.
The virus equally affects both men and women.
How are they transmitted?
Genital warts are sexually transmitted from an infected person to another through very close contact.
It is not necessary to have complete sexual intercourse for the transmission of these, as close contact with the genital area is sufficient for their transmission.
Genital warts cannot be contracted from toilets or swimming pools.
Common warts on the hands, feet, or face (common warts) are caused by different types of viruses and are challenging to transmit to the genital organs.
How long do they take to appear?
They can appear within two weeks of infection up to a few years, but they usually appear in 3 to 12 days.
Some people become carriers after being infected with HPV without having any symptoms warts but they can transmit the virus to their sexual partners and they develop warts.
What are the symptoms?
They are small mole-like lesions of various sizes that appear around the genital area. It can cause stinging, itching and bleeding.
How can they get rid of genital warts?
In some cases, genital warts may disappear on their own without treatment, but it is impossible to predict this.
Therefore, individuals who develop genital warts should seek medical assistance immediately, as visible warts are more infectious to the skin.
Additionally, the sooner a genital wart is treated, the better the response to treatment.
Even when genital warts disappear, the virus often remains in the skin, and warts may reappear.
What treatment is recommended?
There are many treatments available for warts, including lasers, cauterization, cryocoagulation, surgical removal, immune enhancement, ointments, etc.
Each has its indication.
What problems do warts cause?
Some subtypes of HPV are associated with malignancies in the cervix, vagina and if they are different types they often coexist with warts.
What instructions should one follow:
- Healthy diet. Alcohol & cigarettes reduce the body’s defenses, so one
person is more susceptible to the virus.
- Condom use, which reduces direct contact and therefore the possibility
transmission.
- Recommendation for Pap test and colposcopy and in case of any change,
even before the appointment for the Pap test.
- Identification of the virus with DNAtest and mRNAtest.
Note } Colposcopy : Examination of the woman’s genital area, with a magnifying
glass a lens that exhibits changes not visible to the naked eye.
