Genital Warts: Overview, signs and symptoms, risk factors and Diagnosis

Genital warts

Overview

Genital warts are caused by virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts affect both women and men,however women are often susceptible to complications by the damage caused by the virus. Genital warts is a treatable infection. Genital warts must be taken care of quickly as they can cause cancer of the cervix and vulva in woman.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts is characterized by the appearance of soft growths on the genitals. They are grouped in the class of  sexually transmitted infection (STI)  that is caused by some certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can cause itching and pain and sexually active individuals are more vulnerable to the infection.

Mode of transmission.

Transmission of genital warts is basically through Sex (Oral, virginal or anal)

Genital warts do not nessesarily start developing after contact. It takes several weeks and months before it manifestation start to show. 

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts are not always visible to the human eye. They may be very small and the color of the skin or slightly darker. They present as often smooth or bumpy with the growth takes  the form of a  cauliflower. They may be many or just few.

Genital warts may appear on the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat due to exposure through oral sex. Genital warts on males can be seen and visible in the penis, scrotum, groin, thighs and the anus. However in female it can be seen inside of the vagina and anus

    

Risk factors for genital warts

1. Smoking

2. Weak or compromised immune system

3. Children of infected mother at birth

4. Under 30 years of age

How are genital warts diagnosed?

1. Physical examination of infected areas

Possible treatment plan for genital warts prescribed by a doctor can include.

1. imiquimod (Aldara)

2. podophyllin

3. podofilox(Condylox)

4. trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

If visible warts don’t go away with time, you may need minor surgery to remove them. Your doctor can also remove the warts through

Visible warts that refuse to go can be removed by,

1. Minor surgery 

2. Electrocautery, or burning warts with electric currents

3. cryosurgery, or freezing warts
4. Laser treatments
 5. Excision, or cutting off warts