Genital warts:
It is a type of sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can remain in the skin and develop into genital warts.
Modes of Transmission:
Genital warts spread most often through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or by:
- Other contact that includes the genital area (e.g.: hand touching the genitals).
- From infected mother to child during childbirth.
- You can't get genital warts from kissing or sharing utensils (such as towels, cutlery, cups, or toilet seats).
- Most people infected with the virus do not have visible warts, but they can still transmit the virus.
How long after the infection do genital warts appear:
Warts usually appear within months after sexual contact with a person infected with HPV types that cause genital warts. Sometimes warts appear within days or weeks only, while others do not appear until years later. Some people may also become infected with HPV, but they never develop genital warts.
Pregnancy and genital warts:
If you have genital warts that have gone away on their own or have been treated, you likely won't have any problems during your pregnancy. Genital warts in women during pregnancy may cause:
- Bleeding or increase in size and number of warts; Due to hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy.
- Obstruction of the birth canal.
- Exposing the child to HPV types that cause warts in the airways.
Symptoms:
Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They can be flat or raised (such as: cauliflower). Some genital warts are too small to be seen. Genital warts can develop in women:
- Inside the vagina
- On the vulva, cervix, or groin
- In or around the anus
- On the lips, mouth, tongue or throat (very rarely)
Genital warts can develop in men:
- On the penis
- On the scrotum or groin.
- In or around the anus
- On the lips, mouth, tongue or throat (very rarely)
Genital warts can also cause itching, burning, and discomfort.
When to see a doctor:
- When noticing painless lumps or lumps around the vagina, penis, or anus
- Itching or bleeding from the genitals or anus
- A change in the normal flow of urine (e.g., urine flowing laterally).
- A sexual partner who has genital warts.
Treatment:
There is no cure for human papillomavirus, but genital warts can be removed by special techniques, and the doctor may apply a chemical to treat warts in his clinic, or prescribe a cream to apply at home.
Some choose not to treat genital warts. If left untreated, they may disappear or remain the same, or increase in size and number, but they will not turn into cancer.
Even if you treat genital warts, genital warts and HPV can still be spread.
Prevention:
The only way to completely avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex, but the chances of infection can be reduced by:
- Take the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.
- To be in a long-term relationship (marriage) with a partner who has been tested and does not suffer from sexually transmitted diseases.
- Using a condom is the best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases when having sex. Human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts, can infect areas not covered by a condom, so it is possible to get genital warts from direct contact with the skin.
- Other methods do not protect women from contracting sexually transmitted diseases (e.g.: birth control pills, injections, implants, etc.).
- Ensure that you and your partner are screened for STDs.
- Not having sex when the partner's health is unknown, to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
- Avoid increasing the number of your sexual partners; The risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases increases with multiple partners.
- Avoid alcohol or drug use; the possibility of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.
The steps work best when used together, and no single step can protect against every type of STD.
Tips for people with genital warts:
- It is still possible to contract HPV even when genital warts are removed.
- HPV can still be passed on to other people after genital warts are removed.
- Do not have vaginal, anal or oral sex until the warts are gone.
- Tell your doctor when you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; Because some treatments will not be appropriate.
- Avoid scented soaps, shower gels or shower products during treatment; Because it can irritate the skin.
- Not using wart treatment from the pharmacy; It is not specific for genital warts.