What is a Genital Wart (Condyloma)? Symptoms, Treatment and Protection Ways

Genital warts (condyloma) are skin growths caused by a sexually transmitted virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). These warts, which are seen in both women and men, mostly occur in the genital area. Although they are usually painless, they need to be treated due to aesthetic concerns and the risk of spreading the infection.

 

What is a Genital Wart?

Genital warts are skin growths caused by HPV. They are usually seen in the genital area, around the anus and sometimes in the mouth. Genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV and do not carry the risk of turning into cancer. However, they can cause aesthetic concerns, itching and discomfort.

While low-risk types of HPV cause genital warts, high-risk types can lead to cancer. Therefore, HPV-related infections are of great importance in terms of sexual health.

What Causes Genital Warts?

The main cause of genital warts is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. There are more than 200 different types of HPV and approximately 40 of these types are sexually transmitted. The most common types of HPV that cause genital warts are types 6 and 11.

HPV is usually transmitted through sexual contact. In people with a strong immune system, the body can cope with the infection and warts can be prevented. However, genital warts can occur if the virus remains in the body for a long time.

HPV Risk Factors:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse: It is one of the biggest factors that increases the risk of HPV transmission.
• Multiple sexual partners: The risk of HPV infection is high in individuals who have sexual intercourse with different people.
• Weakened immune system: The susceptibility to HPV infection increases in individuals with a weak immune system.

How Are Genital Warts Transmitted?

Genital warts are infections transmitted through sexual contact, primarily vaginal, anal and oral sex. However, direct skin contact to the genital area can also cause the virus to spread. HPV can be transmitted through contact other than sexual intercourse, so protection is important.

Ways of Transmission of Genital Warts:

• Sexual Intercourse: Genital warts can be transmitted during vaginal, anal and oral sex.
• Contact: Touching infected areas can cause warts to spread.
• During Birth: There is a risk of a pregnant woman transmitting HPV to her baby during birth, but this is rare.

Genital Wart Symptoms

The most obvious feature of genital warts is the raised, small or large warts seen in the genital areas. These warts, which are usually skin colored or pink, can be in clusters. Warts are painless, but in some cases they can cause itching, burning or discomfort.

Areas Where Genital Warts Are Seen:

• In Women: Vulva, vagina, cervix, around the anus
• In Men: Penis, scrotum, around the anus
• In Both Sexes: Groin area, inner thigh, mouth and throat

Other Symptoms of Genital Warts:

• Warts can sometimes be very small and go unnoticed.
• There may be itching and a slight burning sensation.
• May cause aesthetic concerns.

How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed?

Genital warts are usually diagnosed through a physical examination by a dermatologist or gynecologist. However, sometimes warts can be difficult to detect, in which case advanced diagnostic methods are used.

Methods Used in Genital Wart Diagnosis:

• Physical Examination: The presence of warts is detected by visual inspection.
• Pap Smear Test: In women, it is used to detect cellular changes that pose a risk of cervical cancer.
• HPV DNA Test: This is a test that detects the presence of HPV infection and which type of HPV is transmitted.

These diagnostic methods are important for preventing the spread of the disease and for early treatment.

Genital Wart Treatment

Genital warts can go away on their own, but this process can take a long time. Treatment may be necessary if the warts become bothersome, cause aesthetic concerns, or spread. Treatment,It includes methods to destroy warts, but there is no specific treatment for HPV to completely disappear.

Genital Wart Treatment Methods:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing): Warts are frozen and destroyed using liquid nitrogen.
• Laser Treatment: It is the process of burning warts with laser light.
• Drug Treatment: There are creams and solutions that can be used in wart treatment. These cause the warts to shrink.
• Electrocautery: This is a method of burning the warts with electric current.
• Surgical Method: Surgical intervention may be required for large warts.

There is a risk of warts recurring after treatment, so care should be taken with protection methods.

Recurrence of Genital Warts

Genital warts can reappear even after treatment. This is because HPV can remain silent in the body and become active again when the immune system weakens. Therefore, regular doctor check-ups and paying attention to sexual health are important.

To prevent recurrences:

• Using condoms,
• Getting HPV vaccination,
• Regular health check-ups are recommended.

Genital Warts During Pregnancy

Genital warts can grow and cause discomfort during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Some methods are not preferred for treating warts during pregnancy (for example, laser treatment or some medications), but there are safe treatment options such as cryotherapy.

If genital warts block the birth canal, a cesarean section may be necessary. In addition, although rare, there is a risk of HPV being transmitted from mother to baby during birth.

Ways to Protect Yourself from Genital Warts

The main precautions that can be taken to protect yourself from genital warts are:

• Using a condom: Although it does not completely protect against HPV, it reduces the risk of infection.
• HPV vaccine: HPV vaccine provides protection against low-risk HPV types, especially those that cause warts.
• Sexual health awareness: Monogamy and knowing the health status of partners reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
• Regular screening tests: Pap smear and HPV tests for women, early diagnosis is of great importance.

Genital Wart and HPV Vaccine

HPV vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against genital warts. The vaccine protects against both low-risk and high-risk types of HPV. It is especially recommended before starting sexual life.

The Protective Role of HPV Vaccine:

• Provides protection against warts: It is effective against HPV types 6 and 11 and prevents the formation of warts.
• Reduces the risk of cancer: The vaccine also reduces the risk of cervical cancer.

Misconceptions About Genital Warts

1. HPV only affects women: False. HPV can cause genital warts and other health problems in both women and men.

2. Genital warts turn into cancer: False. Genital warts do not cause cancer, but high-risk types of HPV can.

3. Condoms completely prevent HPV: False. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission, but they do not provide complete protection.

4. Warts will go away on their own if not treated: This may be true, but it can take a long time and the warts can spread. Treatment can help to get rid of warts quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How are genital warts treated?

Genital warts can be treated with cryotherapy, laser therapy, or medications. The method to be used depends on the size of the warts and how spread they are.

2. Do genital warts cause cancer?

No, genital warts do not turn into cancer. However, some types of HPV can cause cancer.

3. Do genital warts go away on their own?

In some cases, warts can go away on their own, but this process can take a long time and there is a risk of the warts spreading.

4. Does the HPV vaccine protect against genital warts?

Yes, the HPV vaccine protects against low-risk HPV types that cause genital wartsuma.

5. Do genital warts recur?

Yes, warts can recur even if treated. That's why regular check-ups are important.

6. Are genital warts dangerous during pregnancy?

Warts can grow during pregnancy, but they usually do not pose a serious risk to the baby. You should follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment.