Genital Warts
What is it?
Genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata, are small growths in the genital area, commonly appearing around the vaginal opening or inside the vagina on the cervix, around the anus, on the penis, and on the perineum (the area between the genitals and anus). They are highly contagious, and are most commonly spread through sexual or other intimate body contact. It may take from three to 12 months after infection for a wart to appear. In addition, the virus may remain in skin tissues even after warts are removed, making recurrence common. Conditions producing excess vaginal moisture and discharge, such as yeast infections or pregnancy, may encourage wart growth in women.
Genital warts are linked to an increased risk of cervical and penile cancer. (Cervical cancer is detected in the early curable stages by Pap smear. All sexually active women should have a Pap smear at least every one to three years, so that if cancer develops, it may be detected early.) Other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis or gonorrhea, may be transmitted at the same time as the genital wart virus.
What Causes It?
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts. Most of the more than 80 strains of the virus produce only harmless warts, but some have been associated with greater risk of cervical or penile cancer. Most persons with HPV infection are completely without symptoms.
- Genital warts may be spread by sexual intercourse.
- As with other sexually transmitted diseases, genital warts in children may be evidence of sexual abuse. However, newborns may acquire HPV when they pass through an infected birth canal.
Prevention
- Use a latex condom during sexual intercourse to help prevent spreading or contracting the disease.
Diagnosis
- Patient history and physical examination are needed. Women's pelvic examinations should include a Pap smear (a test in which a small sample of cells is scraped from the cervix); in addition, the doctor may examine the vagina with a colposcope (a magnifying instrument for viewing the inside of the vagina and the cervix).
- Blood samples may be taken to rule out other sexually transmitted diseases.
- A culture of vaginal or penile discharge may be taken to rule out gonorrhea or chlamydia.
- A biopsy (removal and analysis of tissue samples) may be performed to rule out cancer.
How to Treat It
- A doctor may apply podophyllin or trichloroacetic acid, chemical solutions that gradually destroy warts.
- The patient may be given a prescription for home treatment with imiquimod or podofilox (Aldara or Condylox).
- Genital warts may be removed by applying liquid nitrogen, which freezes and thus destroys warts (cryosurgery). Warts may also be burned away with an electric probe (electrocauterization) or destroyed with laser surgery.
- The sexual partner(s) of the infected person should be examined as well. However, in many cases, they will have no symptoms.
- Do not attempt to remove genital warts using over-the-counter wart preparations. Such chemical solutions are too harsh for sensitive genital skin and may cause disfigurement.
When to Call a Doctor
- Make an appointment with a doctor if you or your sexual partner display symptoms of genital warts.
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Copyright © 2008 Medletter Associates, LLC
Content excerpted from Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference.