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What are Genital Warts?
Genital warts arise in clusters and can be quite small in size. Often these warts will disappear without any treatment. However, it's quite common for these small protrusions to develop into a raised growth with a cauliflower-like surface. It's virtually impossible to tell which will occur. Therefore, any person suspecting that s/he has developed a case of genital warts should immediately consult their health care provider.
What are the symptoms of Genital Warts?
Genital warts are relatively easy to detect; they are small lumps which appear on the genital area. The vulva and the perineum (area between the vaginal opening and the anus) are the areas most affected in women. They also appear on the vagina, cervix and anus. In men, the warts most often appear on the glands, foreskin and urethral opening. They may also appear on the shaft of the penis, scrotum and anus. (Note: sometimes men have shiny spots called "pearly papules" on the glands which are normal and should not be confused with warts.) Many people may have the virus that causes genital warts but show no symptoms.
How are Genital Warts contracted?
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a virus similar to the one which causes warts elsewhere is what causes genital warts. Intimate contact of moist surfaces is ideal for the transmission of genital warts which are extremely contagious. About two-thirds of regular partners of someone who has warts will obtain the warts themselves. There does not have to be any physical manifestation of the virus for it to be transmitted. People with weak immune systems will have more widespread infections. The virus is also easily transmitted when the skin or mucous membrane is already injured.
How is the condition treated?
There are a wide variety of treatments available for genital wars. It's quite common for a doctor to prescribe trichloroecetic acid. An alternative treatment is podophyllin solution. These treatments are applied directly to the infected region and are washed off several hours later. There is a new treatment called Aldara, a topical cream which is applied by the patient and is available by prescription only.
Surgery may be need for larger warts that do not respond to alternate forms of treatment. There are currently three methods for the surgical removal of warts: laser, cryosurgery (freezing) and electrocautery (burning).
These treatments are indeed quite effective in eliminating the warts but the virus remains. Consequently warts may appear after treatment. |
