Genital warts: symptoms, causes, to drugs

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Definition of genital warts

Genital warts, or in medical language called condyloma acuminata, are one result of sexually transmitted infections.

Genital warts generally appear due to the HPV virus (human papillomavirus), namely HPV viruses types 6 and 11.

Apart from warts on the vagina or penis, HPV is also at risk of causing cervical cancer in women.

Genital warts or genital warts are usually in the form of small, red, fleshy bumps or clusters that look like cauliflower.

In many cases, warts usually grow very small and often go undetected with the naked eye.

But over time, the warts will get bigger and can be detected by touch.

This disease, which is also called condyloma acuminata, can cause pain, tenderness, discomfort, and itching in the area around the wart.

The HPV virus which causes this disease is usually transmitted through sexual contact, either oral, vaginal or anal.

HPV infection can sometimes also be transmitted to the baby during the delivery process from an infected mother before or during pregnancy.

How common are genital warts?

Genital warts or condyloma acuminata generally affect anyone indiscriminately.

Both men and women can get this disease, although in general women are more susceptible to contracting it.

You can avoid this disease by reducing the existing risk factors.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms of genital warts

According to the Mayo Clinic website, signs and symptoms of genital warts or genital warts are:

• The appearance of a small swelling in the pubic area.
• Several warts grow close together to resemble a cauliflower shape.
• Itching or discomfort in the pubic area.
• Bleeding during sexual intercourse.

Women can get genital warts on the body, such as:

• Upper thigh
• Vulva
• Vaginal wall
• The area between the external genitals and the anus
• Anal canal
• Cervix

While men can get warts on the body, such as:

• The tip or shaft of the penis
• Groin
• Upper thigh
• Around or inside the anus
• Inside the urinary tract
• Scrotum (testis)

As an area that is damp and gets wet easily, the genitals are the safest and most comfortable place for the virus to live.

Moreover, if a person has many sweat glands in vital parts, the virus that causes genital warts will develop more easily.

Warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of people who have had oral sexual contact with an infected person.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above.

If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Check with your doctor if you or your partner have lumps or warts on the penis or vagina.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above or any specific questions, please consult a doctor.

Each person's body is different, so always consult a doctor to get treatment regarding your health condition.

Causes of genital warts

As mentioned earlier, the cause of genital warts is infection with the HPV virus.

There are more than 40 types of HPV virus which are estimated to cause problems in the genital area.

Most cases of condylomata acuminata disease are caused by HPV viruses types 6 and 11.

Physical contact during sexual intercourse is a common cause of spreading the HPV virus, which causes genital warts.

In most cases, a good immune system will be able to kill the genital HPV virus.

This makes you may not even realize that you are "close" to the disease.

These condyloma acuminata or genital warts can be transmitted between people through skin-to-skin contact.

The spread of the virus that causes genital warts usually includes sexual activity, such as:

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex (rare, but can still affect the spread of warts)
• Sex toys (sex toys)

In rare cases, this condition can also be transmitted when an infected person's hand touches his own genital area and then touches the partner's genital area.

Newborns can also get this disease from a mother who was infected during childbirth, either a normal delivery or a cesarean section.

Apart from the things that have been mentioned above, there are several physical conditions that can also cause genital warts, namely:

• Diabetes or diabetes mellitus makes people susceptible to genital infections.
• Stress that causes sweat to continue.
• Have a weak immune system, for example people with HIV / AIDS so they are susceptible to viruses.

It should be understood that genital warts cannot be transmitted through kissing, hugging, toilet seats, towels, eating utensils, and so on.

Risk factors for genital warts

Some of the factors that can increase a person's risk of developing condyloma acuminata are:

• Having sex without a condom with different partners.
• Have had a previous sexually transmitted infection.
• Have sex with a partner with whom you don't know their sexual history.
• Have been sexually active from a young age.

Risk factors are simply conditions that can increase your chances of developing a disease.

This means that if you have one or more of the risk factors above, it does not mean that you are definitely affected by this disease.

Complications of genital warts

Some of the complications or dangers that may occur from genital warts are:

1. Cancer

Cervical cancer has been closely linked with genital HPV infection.

Several types of HPV are also associated with cancer of the vulva, cancer of the anus, cancer of the penis, and cancer of the mouth and throat.

However, it is important to understand that HPV does not always cause cancer.

For women, do regular pap smears, especially if you have a risk of certain diseases.

2. Infection during pregnancy

Genital warts can cause problems during pregnancy.

When genital warts get bigger, pregnant women find it difficult to urinate.

Not only that, warts on the vaginal wall can also reduce the ability of vaginal tissue to stretch during childbirth.

Meanwhile, large genital warts on the vulva or on the vagina can pose a danger in the form of bleeding during the pushing process.

Diagnosis of genital warts

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

A physical exam is the very first way a doctor will diagnose genital warts.

If the warts develop further inside the woman's body, you may need to do a pelvic exam.

This procedure is usually performed by doctors using a mild acid solution which helps make the warts more visible.

The doctor may also take a sample of genital warts from the affected area.

It aims to get cells from your cervix, during the pap smear examination process, to diagnose the disease.

The sample can then be tested to see if the HPV virus is infected or not.

In addition, the doctor can also ask some questions to find out about your health and sexual history.

Genital warts treatment

It is important to understand that each patient may need different treatment.

Usually, the treatment given will depend on the severity of the disease.

Later, your doctor will determine the best treatment you may need.

Here are some genital wart drug options:

1. Topical medicine

Genital warts medicines come in various forms, ranging from creams, gels, to liquids.

There are several types of drugs that can be applied yourself at home, but some require the help of medical personnel at the clinic or hospital.

Several types of drugs to treat genital warts, namely:

Imiqumoid (Aldara, Zyclara)

Imiqumoids are usually used to increase the immune system's ability to fight the viruses that cause warts.

Usually, Imiquimod cream should be applied once a day at bedtime or 3 times a week for about 16 weeks.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the wart condition.

The genital area that is smeared with this cream should be washed with soap and water 6-10 hours after you use it.

It is important to remember, avoid sexual contact while the cream is still on your skin.

This is because the sticky cream can weaken the durability of the condom, both male and female condoms.

Also, if this cream gets on your partner's genital skin, it can cause an irritating reaction.

If you get genital warts during pregnancy, consult a doctor immediately because this cream has not been tested safe for pregnant women.

Sinechatechin (Veregen)

This ointment is used to treat genital warts on the outside of the skin and warts around the anus.

Possible side effects include redness, an itching or burning sensation, and pain.

Podofilox and Podophylline

Podophyllin is a resin made from plants that can destroy genital wart tissue. This medicine must be applied by a doctor.

Meanwhile, Podofilox contains similar active compounds, but you can apply it yourself at home.

The doctor may order the first Podofilox application.

After that, you are advised to pay attention to your changes in the skin to prevent irritation due to the drug.

Use Podofilox only as an external medicine. This drug is also not recommended for use by pregnant women.

Possible side effects are minor skin irritation and pain.

Tricholoacetic acid (TCA) or bichloroacetic acid (BCA) 80–90%

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or 80-90% bichloroacetic acid is a chemical drug that works by destroying genital warts by chemically freezing protein.

TCA solutions have a low viscosity comparable to water and can disperse rapidly if overused.

As a result, this drug can actually damage the healthy tissue adjacent to genital warts.

Doctors usually only apply a small amount on genital warts and let them dry so they don't spread to other parts.

Treatment can be repeated every week if needed depending on your condition.

Unlike other drugs, TCA and BCA are proven safe and effective for use in pregnant women.

You should always consult a doctor for any genital warts treatment that is performed.

Avoid buying over-the-counter drugs without a doctor's prescription because they can make the condition worse.

Don't forget to ask your doctor for an explanation about how to use it properly so that warts can be treated optimally.

2. Operation

Surgery is needed if you have warts that are large in size or if your warts do not respond to medications as mentioned above.

If you are pregnant, surgery is also recommended to avoid using drugs that can affect the fetus.

Some of the options for genital wart surgery are as follows:

Cryotherapy

This procedure is done by freezing genital warts using nitrogen solution.

This method is not done once so it needs to be repeated until the wart is gone and replaced with new skin.

During this therapy you are advised to avoid sexual intercourse.

Electrocautery

This procedure uses an electric current to burn genital warts.

This method is usually used to remove warts on the vulva and anus.

You may experience pain and swelling after the procedure is over.

Surgical excision

In this method, the doctor may need special tools to cut the warts.

This may require you to need local or general anesthesia.

After the process, the doctor will stitch the wound on the infected skin.

This procedure is usually done to treat warts that grow in clusters, but they are small, not large.

Laser

This procedure uses laser energy to burn and remove warts.

Usually, laser procedures are performed for warts that are large and difficult to reach, for example inside the anus or urethra (urinary tract).

Lasers are usually the last resort if the methods mentioned above don't work.

Prevention of genital warts

To prevent getting genital warts, the most basic thing you need to do, of course, is to prevent contracting the HPV virus.

This can be done by following the tips below:

1. Using a condom during sex

The use of condoms is the easiest step to reduce the risk of contracting this disease.

2. Soak

Pour a few liters of warm water on the bath and then you can sit in it for 10-15 minutes every day.

3. Use a heat lamp or hair dryer

You can use these tools to dry out the genital area.

However, you should hold a lamp or dryer at least 40 centimeters (cm) from your skin.

4. Get the vaccine

As a precautionary measure for this condyloma acuminata, you are also doing the HPV vaccine.

Vaccines can be useful to help you prevent this condition.

If there are still doubts about this disease, consult your doctor for further explanation.