Genital Warts Infection
Genital warts (also known as condylomata acuminate), according the Mayo Clinic, are the most common type of STD (sexually transmitted disease). The warts may appear as skin-colored small bumps or they may resemble cauliflower in their appearance. They can occur singularly or in a group and are caused by an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.
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Signs and Symptoms
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Genital warts do not always create symptoms. Watch for signs like genital itching, bleeding after intercourse, genital discomfort, small areas of genital swelling (may be skin-colored or grayish) and several warts occurring in close proximity to each other (resembling cauliflower). Women may get genital warts on the cervix, vaginal walls, the skin between the vagina and anus and on the vulva. Men may have genital warts on the penile shaft, penis tip, anal area and the scrotum. Genital warts can also be found in the throat and mouth of a patient who had oral sex with someone who is infected.
Causes and Risk Factors
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Genital warts are caused by an HPV infection that affects the skin. The HPV strains that cause the STD are very infectious. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 66 percent of people who have had sex with an infected person develop genital warts.
Risk factors include engaging in sexual activity without knowing your partner's history, a history of STDs, engaging in unprotected sex with several partners and engaging in sexual activity early in your adolescence.
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Complications
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The STD can cause long-term consequences and complications like pregnancy issues and increased cancer risk.
Pregnancy may activate an otherwise dormant infection. Genital warts may also lead to urinary problems if enlarged. If you have genital warts on the wall of your vagina, your birth canal may not stretch as effectively to give birth to your child. A rare, but serious, complication is the development of warts in your baby's throat. This may require surgery to alleviate breathing complications.
HPV and cervical cancer are closely linked. Some HPV infections may be caused by strains that increase your risk of developing cancer in the vulva, anal region or penis.
When to Seek Treatment
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Sometimes, an outbreak will resolve on its own. However, if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, consult your doctor to determine the treatment that is right for you. Interferon injections have been effective due to the antiviral effects of the medication. Other options include topical medications and surgical options. Many doctors will recommend combining therapies for maximum results.
Topical Treatments
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Topical treatments for genital warts abound. TCA (or trichloroacetic acid) is a doctor-applied treatment that chemically burns the warts. Podophyllin is applied by your doctor and contains plant-based compounds which help to eradicate genital warts. Podofilox contains the same active ingredients and is usually applied by your doctor first. Your doctor will then give you instructions to apply it at home. Finally, imiquimod cream helps to give your immune system a boost, thus enabling your body to better fight the infection.
Surgical Options
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Surgical options are usually best if you have warts that do not improve with topical treatments, warts that are large and if you are pregnant. The first, cryotherapy (or "freezing" the wart with a liquid nitrogen compound), sometimes requires several treatments to effectively eradicate the wart entirely. Laser treatments are more expensive and usually used on the toughest warts which do not respond to other treatments. Excision is performed with localized anesthesia. This usually takes a special set of tools used to cut the warts off. Finally, electrocautery effectively "burns" the warts with electrical currents.
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