Benign neoplasms on the genitals are called genital warts or otherwise genital warts. Externally, these formations are similar to the crest of a rooster or cauliflower and have spiky processes, for which they are called condylomas in an intimate place. This growth of the epithelium on the genitals and perianal region is the result of infection with the human papillomavirus.
The concept of condyloma
The disease was known to doctors in ancient Greece, then it was called condyloma. Hippocrates in his writings called them genital warts. At that time, disputes about the nature of the appearance of warts in intimate places did not stop, photos which are presented below. Some of the ancient doctors believed that they are inherited, and some - that this is a punishment for too much love.
At the end of the nineteenth century, viruses were derived from such warts. Only then did it become possible to study in detail the papilloma virus.
Risk factors
Condylomas appear in both men and women. They are usually located not in one but in groups. In men, warts on the penis, on the head and under the foreskin are mainly distributed. In women, condylomas appear on the vagina at its entrance or on the walls. May also appear on the labia, cervix and clitoris. Representatives of both sexes appear condylomas in the anus. It used to be that condylomas on the penis can only be gay, but it is not. In men with a heterosexual orientation, condylomas also occur, including in the anus.
The risk of infection from a partner who has genital warts is very high and amounts to about 80%. The incubation period is from one to eight months. Such a virus can doze in the body for several years, and sometimes for life.
Symptoms and manifestations
In appearance, several varieties of genital warts are distinguished: genital, keratinized, flat and papular. Genital warts on the mucous membranes look like soft pointed genital papules on a pedicle or on a broad base. The appearance of genital warts often depends on their location. In the groin and gluteal fold, they rise above the skin and have an uneven surface. On the mucous membranes they are usually pink or reddish in color. Condyloma on the labia has the appearance of dense papules with keratinization sites.
Patients often complain that during and after intercourse there are very unpleasant sensations, itching when walking, as well as an extraneous smell and copious discharge.
The course of the disease in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and in HIV-infected people is especially difficult. Pregnancy accelerates the growth of neoplasms, in the most severe cases, condylomas in an intimate place interfere with the bearing and birth of the fetus. And they can also cause a rupture of the vagina, in such cases, a caesarean section is required. In newborns, in very rare cases, the virus can cause laryngeal papillomatosis. For children, such a diagnosis is life-threatening, while in adults it passes without complications.
Removal of genital warts by electrocoagulation, laser and cryodestruction do not have contraindications for pregnancy and do not cause complications in the woman in labor and the fetus.
Reasons for the appearance
The reason that condylomas appear in an intimate place is the human papilloma virus. It infects the body after sexual contact with the carrier of the disease without the use of contraceptives. Rooted in the body, the virus begins to manifest itself in the form of benign neoplasms in intimate places. Only when they appear, warts usually do not give any unpleasant sensations.
Diagnosis of the disease
It is impossible to solve the problem without a qualified specialist. And if in the inguinal area you can see the genital warts yourself, then the doctor will carefully identify all the warts on a thorough examination. Modern medicine offers many ways to identify this problem:
- ordinary gynecological examination - gives a complete picture of the damage to the walls of the uterus and vagina;
- anoscopy - examination of the anus for the presence of genital warts;
- urethroscopy - performed with suspected infection of the urethra;
- cytological examination of a smear from the cervix;
- processing suspicious areas with a solution of acetic acid (after a few minutes, the condylomas turn white and they can be seen with a calposcope).
Examination for the presence of condyloma in an intimate place must necessarily include an analysis for gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV, since, for example, widespread condylomas are secondary signs of syphilis. Sexually transmitted diseases are often combined with each other and have common symptoms.
Treatment of genital warts folk remedies
There are many popular ways to remove genital warts. For example, with the help of aloe (Kalanchoe). A compress of fresh leaves, mashed into gruel, is applied to the warts for 5-6 hours, twice a day. If condyloma is on the labia, it can also be treated with celandine juice, the main thing here is that the remedy only gets on the wart.
Lubrication of genital warts with tincture of propolis twice a day after a week should give a result.
Medication for genital warts
Modern medicine offers us proven means to combat genital warts. Aldara cream stimulates the production of interferon (an antiviral substance) and enhances the immunity of the whole organism. The cream should be used until the warts disappear completely, but not more than four months.
The drug "Condilin" has a local necrotizing effect. The treatment regimen is as follows: condylomas are processed twice a day for three days, then a four-day break should be made. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated. The duration of treatment should be no more than 5 weeks.
After the doctor has confirmed the presence of condyloma in an intimate place, it is necessary to begin treatment. It must be carried out simultaneously in two directions: restoration of immunity and local treatment of papillomatosis.
Removal Methods
Removal of genital warts in intimate places involves an appeal to various modern methods:
- Electrocoagulation
- Surgical excision.
- Radio wave therapy (healing period of about two weeks).
- Laser removal (many advantages, can be used on any part of the body, but heals for a long time).
- Treatment with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) - heals for about two weeks, a small scar remains at the treatment site.
Most methods are only 65-70% effective and the relapse rate is about 25%. When choosing a treatment method, it is important to take into account both the experience of the doctor and the opinion of the patient himself. The doctor must tell you about all the side effects and disadvantages of the selected treatment method.
If you leave condylomas without any treatment, there are three possible scenarios. Firstly, they can spontaneously resolve. Clinical studies have shown that in patients with healthy immunity, this process took about 3 months. Secondly, condylomas can continue to grow. Thirdly, education can remain unchanged.
Prevention
To prevent the appearance of genital warts, you need to know the reasons for their appearance and in every possible way to avoid them. Indiscriminate sexual intercourse, often alternating sexual partners, lack of contraception - all this leads to sexual infections.
Risk factors also include neglect of hygiene. You can get infected in the pool, sauna or public bath if the naked body is in contact with shelves, benches. Do not use other people's hygiene products, always have your own bath accessories and a towel.
Frequent stresses, weakening of the body due to reduced immunity and vitamin deficiency also contribute to the development of the virus.
The important thing is that there is no method that allows you to completely recover from the papilloma virus. You can remove genital warts (condylomas) and alleviate the condition of the patient, but the risk of spreading the infection will still remain. The virus continues to "live" in the tissues that surrounded the genital warts, and can cause a relapse.