Genital Wart Treatment

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. The virus that causes warts is called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, and almost all sexually active people will be infected with at least one type at some point.

Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area and may look like small, skin-colored bumps. The bumps may resemble cauliflower, and the warts are often too small to be seen with the naked eye. Some types of genital HPV can cause genital warts, while others can cause cancer. Quadrivalent and 9-valent HPV vaccines can help protect both against the low-risk types that cause warts and against many of the high-risk types that cause cancer.

How Do Genital Warts Develop?

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease that spreads easily from person to person. Genital warts are mostly caused by low-risk HPV types (especially types 6 and 11), which usually do not lead to cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by different, high-risk HPV types (such as types 16 and 18); because a person can carry more than one HPV type, examination and screening follow-up are important. For this reason, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of genital warts are extremely important.

Genital warts can grow on the vulva, on the walls of the vagina and in the area between the external genitals and the anus. They can also grow in the anal canal, on the cervix, on the tip or shaft of the penis, on the scrotum and around the anus. Genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat after oral sex with an infected person. More than 40 types of HPV affect the genital area. Genital warts are almost always spread through sexual contact. Even if your warts are too small to be seen, you can pass the infection to your sexual partner.

What Are the Symptoms of Genital Warts?

The most noticeable symptoms of genital warts are small fleshy growths, irritation and itching in the genital area. Sometimes redness and inflammation may also be seen around the warts. The symptoms of genital warts provide important clues for diagnosis.

To diagnose genital warts, a sexual health examination, HPV testing and imaging studies are performed. The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the appearance and location of the warts and determines the appropriate treatment method.

The most common symptoms of genital warts are:

• Small swellings in the genital area that may be skin-colored or a different color.
• A cauliflower-like shape caused by several warts close together
• Itching or discomfort in your genital area
• Bleeding during intercourse
• Genital warts can be so small and flat that you cannot see them. Rarely, however, they can multiply into large clusters in a person with a weakened immune system.

How Are Genital Warts Treated?

Several methods are available to treat genital warts. The doctor determines the most suitable treatment method based on the condition of the warts. Treatment options include cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning with an electric current), laser treatment, surgical excision and therapeutic creams.

The doctor determines the most suitable treatment method based on the condition of the warts.

Because genital wart treatment can be painful, the patient's comfort is taken into account. Incorrect or inadequate genital wart treatment can lead to spread of the infection, recurrences and other complications. For this reason, it is important that surgical or medical treatment be carried out by an experienced specialist physician.

After some painful treatments, spread of the infection, recurrences and complications may occur. A correct and timely sexual health examination and the use of appropriate treatment methods allow genital warts to be treated effectively.

Are Genital Warts Risky?

Most sexually active people become infected with genital HPV at some point. Factors that may increase your risk of infection include:

• Not getting the HPV vaccine
• Having sex without a condom or with multiple partners
• Having had another sexually transmitted infection
• Having sex with a partner whose sexual history you do not know
• Becoming sexually active at a young age
• Having a weakened immune system due to causes such as HIV or organ transplant medications

What Are the Complications of Genital Warts?

HPV infection can lead to a number of health problems, such as:

Cervical cancer: This is closely associated with genital HPV infection. Some types of HPV are also linked to cancers of the vulva, anus, penis, mouth and throat. HPV infection does not always lead to cancer. However, it is important for women to have regular Pap tests, which screen for cervical cancer. Pap tests are especially important for those infected with high-risk types of HPV.

Problems during pregnancy: Rarely, warts can grow larger during pregnancy. This can make urination difficult, and warts on the vaginal wall can prevent the vaginal tissues from stretching during childbirth. Large warts on the vulva or in the vagina can bleed when stretched during delivery. Very rarely, a baby born to a pregnant person with genital warts may develop warts in the throat. The baby may need surgery to prevent the airway from becoming blocked.

Does the HPV Vaccine Prevent Genital Warts?

You can get the HPV vaccine to help prevent genital warts. And if you are sexually active, you can limit your number of partners. Being with a single partner who has sex only with you is safest. Using a condom every time you have sex is a good idea. However, it does not fully protect you from genital warts. This is because HPV can spread to parts of the body that a condom does not cover.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination for girls and boys aged 11 and 12. However, the vaccine can be given as early as age 9. Ideally, children should receive the vaccine before they become sexually active. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and may include pain at the injection site, headache, low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms.

The CDC now recommends that all children aged 11 and 12 receive two doses of the HPV vaccine 6 to 12 months apart. The agency previously recommended a three-dose schedule. Younger children aged 9 and 10 and teens aged 13 and 14 can also receive two doses. Research has shown that two doses work for children under 15. Teens and young adults who start the vaccine series later, between the ages of 15 and 26, should receive three doses. The CDC recommends giving the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. The third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose.

The CDC now recommends catch-up HPV vaccination for everyone up to age 26 who is not fully vaccinated. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine for use in men and women aged 9 to 45. If you are between 27 and 45, you can consult a specialist to decide whether you should get the HPV vaccine and discuss your risks. You can talk about when to get vaccinated and how many doses you need.