Condylomata acuminata or genital warts are a small growths with a smooth surface. This condition is caused by HPV virus (Human Papillomavirus) which is sexually transmitting and it’s common nowadays.
Important! Consult your gynecologist or your doctor immediately if you think that you have genital warts.
How genital warts look like?
Genital warts look like small, soft, pale pink pimples and usually appear in groups. In rare cases where they can be larger, they can get irritated and create an unpleasant odor. In women, genital warts are located on the genitals, around the anus, internally at the upper end of the vagina or around the cervix. In men they appear on the scrotum, penis and anus.
Reason for appearance of genital warts
HPV virus (Human Papillomavirus), is the most common cause of this sexually transmitted infection. There are over 120 different types of HPV. and HPV type 6 and 11 is responsible for 90% of the cases of genital warts. This infection can also be indefinitely hidden and in latent state, and you can have this virus, but with no symptoms.
Although in most cases the virus remains in the skin of the infected person in a dormant state, but it can be transmitted to her / his sexual partners.
The time (incubation period) from infection with the virus until the appearance of genital warts is usually from 1 to 5 months. In some cases, warts may appear even after several years after contact with an infected person, as a result of weakened immune system. About 80% of men and women at some point in their lives are infected with HPV, but many of them never learn that.
Treatment of genital warts
Treating genital warts is different in each patient. The choice of treatment depends on the number, size and location of the genital warts. Their removal is done with drugs or surgical treatment.
Genital warts can be treated with a variety of creams and solutions that are rubbed on the skin’s surface. When this method of treatment has no effect or the genital warts are very large, the patient might be referred to surgical treatment.
Treating genital warts is hard and you need to keep in mind that is possible that they will re-emerge. The main reason for this is the HPV virus, which can’t be fully removed from the body. Some specialists say that complete treatment of the virus is impossible. When a person is infected , the virus will be in the person’s body for the rest of his life.
Having a healthy lifestyle can improve the treatment and stop the re-emergence of genital warts. This means that you should get enough vitamins, healthy food and to do sports. The aim is to strengthen the immune system to the maximum and so your body can fight and suppress the virus.
Protection and prevention against genital warts
It is recommended to avoid having sexual contact with someone who has visible genital warts at least until they’re successfully treated by a doctor. Successful treatment and removal of visible genital warts reduces the likelihood of virus transmission from one person to another.
When you have sexual contact with a person who has genital warts, it’s mandatory to use a condom, although you won’t be protected at 100%. The genital warts of the infected partner shouldn’t come into contact with the uninfected person.
There are also a vaccine against couple of types of HPV virus, two of which cause genital warts. If you’re under 26, ask your doctor for more information about the vaccine.
When an infected woman is pregnant, the birthing is usually done by a cesarean section. The objective is to reduce the chances for infection of the baby with the virus.
!In order not to get genital warts or many other sexually transmitted diseases, maintain a high personal hygiene, carefully choose your sexual partners and always use a condom.
