Genital Warts

Genital warts are transmitted through:

• Sexual Contact: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Close genital contact with an infected person, even if warts are not visible.

It's important to note that HPV can be transmitted even when an infected person shows no visible symptoms.

Symptoms of genital warts can include:

• Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area
• Multiple warts close together that take on a cauliflower-like shape
• Itching or discomfort in the genital area
• Bleeding during intercourse

Warts can appear on the penis, scrotum, groin, thighs, inside or around the anus, and on the cervix, vagina, and vulva. They may also appear in the mouth or throat after oral sex. In some cases, genital warts can be so small and flat that they are not visible to the naked eye. They may also appear weeks or months after initial exposure to the virus.

While genital warts themselves do not cause serious health problems, they can lead to complications if left untreated:

• Increased risk of spreading HPV to sexual partners
• Emotional or psychological distress due to their appearance
• In rare cases, they can grow large or multiply, requiring more extensive treatment
• HPV types associated with genital warts do not cause cancer, but having genital warts may increase the risk of getting infected with other, potentially more harmful strains of HPV

Diagnosis of genital warts typically involves:

• Visual Examination: A healthcare provider examines the genital area for visible warts.
• Pap Test: For women, a Pap test can help detect changes in the cervix caused by HPV, although it may not detect warts themselves.
• HPV Test: In some cases, an HPV test may be conducted to determine the presence of the virus.

Treatment options for genital warts include:

• Topical Medications: Prescription creams or solutions applied directly to the warts, such as imiquimod, podofilox, or sinecatechins.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen.
• Electrocautery: Burning off the warts using electrical currents.
• Surgical Removal: Physically cutting off the warts.
• Laser Treatment: Using a laser to destroy the warts.

It's important to note that treatment can remove the warts, but it does not cure the HPV infection. The virus may remain in the body, and warts can recur.

Preventive measures for genital warts include:

• HPV Vaccination: Vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix protect against the most common HPV strains that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
• Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, though they do not provide complete protection as HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom.
• Regular Screening: Routine Pap tests and HPV screenings for women to detect early changes in the cervix.
• Avoiding Sexual Contact: Refrain from sexual activity with infected individuals until warts are treated and cleared.