The human papillomavirus can manifest itself anywhere. Genital warts are one such manifestation. These are small benign formations of epithelial and mucous cells of the skin. Warts, i.e. papillomas, protrude above the skin and vary in shape and appearance.
Types of Intimate Warts
Genital warts can have 3 forms:
- flat formations;
- filiform papillomas ;
- peaked formations.
The place of localization of intimate warts is female and male genital organs. But, besides this, they can form around the urethra, anus and rectum. Neoplasms increase rapidly, but do not affect the deeper layers of the skin.
Infection methods
Genital warts are called genital warts. They rarely appear one at a time, usually group clusters. Due to thin skin and a large number of folds, papillomas can become wet and become whitish. This leads to inflammation and accumulation of pus, accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
The human papillomavirus is transmitted sexually and by contact. Intimate warts are formed in places of active friction and trauma during sexual intercourse. There are factors that increase the risk of genital warts:
- urogenital infections - gonorrhea, chlamydia and Trichomonella infection;
- HIV infection;
- diabetes;
- stressful situations;
- hormonal abnormalities;
- weakened immunity;
- adverse ecology;
- heavy working conditions;
- pregnancy.
In addition to the sexual and domestic methods, HPV infection can occur during the passage of the birth canal. This is a vertical way of transmitting papillomas from mother to newborn.
Female genital warts
Intimate warts can cause a lot of trouble for a woman, as these are not just cosmetic defects. They appear on the labia, which leads to injury during sex or when wearing uncomfortable lingerie. Often, condylomas form in the vagina and on the cervix, which can provoke inflammatory processes and bleeding. Warts that appear on the skin of the perineum, tear off clothing and grow. Neoplasms around the anus and in the rectum interfere with bowel movements and cause erosion, and in the area of the urethra, urine outflow is difficult and infections of the bladder and kidneys are caused.
Papillomas cannot be ignored, since they can give an impetus to the development of cancer. Especially dangerous in this case are cervical and vaginal condylomas, which are reborn more often than others.
What is the danger of intimate warts in men
Warts on the genitals of men are not harmless either. The usual place for their localization is the glans penis, foreskin and urethra. But they can appear on the scrotum, skin folds in the groin and around the anus.
Penis warts may look like nodules of different sizes or flat grooved conglomerates. Their color ranges from pink to brown. They cause discomfort and make urination difficult. Often there is trauma to neoplasms, which stimulates inflammatory processes and an increase in the number of genital warts.
Over time, an ordinary wart in the intimate area of a man can degenerate into a malignant tumor.
What warts can cause oncology?
HPV has a huge number of varieties. Therefore, condylomas, like other papillomas, can wear:
- non-oncogenic character - this refers to the virus of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 10th type;
- low oncogenic character, that is, HPV of the 6th, 11th, 30th types;
- highly oncogenic character - virus of the 16th, 18th, 30th, 39th, 45th, 51st, 56th, 68th types.
The oncological danger of condyloma does not depend on its size, although larger warts are more likely to be injured. Before prescribing treatment or removal of a wart on the genitals, the doctor always finds out what type this condyloma belongs to.
Diagnostics
To detect intimate warts, doctors examine the patient. In this case, the anogenital area should be examined in good light so as not to miss the small condylomas. For women, an examination of the cervix is mandatory.
If warts are found at the external opening of the urethra, then urethroscopy is performed. Before a biopsy or surgical removal, an acetic test is done to determine the boundaries of the affected area.
For diagnosis, colposcopy is performed, cytological and histological examination is performed . This is aimed at identifying cancer warts.
Treatment
Removal of genital warts requires additional tests. This is an overview smear, analysis for hepatitis, a reaction to syphilis and HIV. In addition, they are tested for bacterial flora.
Genital warts are treated with the following methods:
- removal using radio wave surgery;
- laser removal of genital warts;
- destructive therapy;
- cauterization with liquid nitrogen;
- medical appointments;
- folk practices.
Treatment of intimate warts in a medication way can be difficult, because the patient is not always able to independently apply the drug to the affected area. Most often, a solution of trichloroacetic acid is prescribed as a treatment . This tool causes necrosis of the cells, but is accompanied by pain and burning sensation.
In addition, it may be necessary to restore the immune system and a course of antiviral drugs.
Preventative measures
Today, people often notice genital warts. What to treat depends on the decision of the doctor, but protection against HPV is an important task for every person.
To minimize the risk of infection with HPV, including intimate warts, a person must lead a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to strengthen the immune system and engage in sports or physical education. It is advisable not to become addicted to smoking, and if a person is already exposed to this addiction, then quit. Smoking increases the risk of relapsing warts and complicates treatment.
Women need to undergo gynecological examinations regularly to detect the appearance of neoplasms as early as possible and remove them, not allowing them to degenerate into oncology.
One of the important preventive measures is vaccination against HPV type 6 and 11. But in the post-Soviet space, this vaccine is not very popular.
To prevent infection, it is necessary to observe personal hygiene measures, not to commit promiscuous sexual acts, use condoms for personal protection.
In addition, it is necessary to take vitamin complexes and eat well - this affects the state of immunity. Do not expose yourself to stressful situations and have a good rest so that the body does not experience exorbitant loads. All this prevents the weakening of protective functions and reduces the risk of infection with papillomas.