Genital warts are a viral skin infection of the genital area caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically appear as small, painless bumps or skin growths, but they can be psychologically and aesthetically disturbing. Their danger lies in their rapid spread through direct sexual contact, and they can sometimes be difficult to detect in the early stages. Therefore, it is important to understand their causes.
What is genital warts?
It is a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appears in several common forms, including:
Small bumps or growths in the genital area.
Single or clusters resembling cauliflower.
The texture may be smooth or rough, depending on the condition.
In some cases, they are painless, but they may be itchy.
Methods of Transmission
Infection occurs in several ways during sexual intercourse or direct contact, the most prominent of which are:
Vaginal or anal sex with an infected person.
Direct skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.
Transmission of the virus from mother to child during birth.
Sharing contaminated personal items, such as towels, is rare.
Weakened immunity and its relationship to infection
People with weakened immunity are more susceptible to genital warts, including:
Immune deficiencies, such as AIDS.
People taking immunosuppressive medications for long periods.
Heavy smokers, as smoking weakens the body's resistance.
Repeated exposure to psychological and physical stress.
Factors that contribute to the spread of the disease
There are behavioral and health factors that significantly contribute to the spread of the infection, including:
Multiple sexual partners.
Unprotected sexual intercourse.
Recurrent reproductive tract infections.
Neglecting a medical examination when unusual symptoms appear.
Symptoms of Genital Warts
Symptoms vary from person to person, but they often include the following:
Small skin growths that may be smooth or rough.
They appear singly or in close clusters.
Itching or irritation in the affected area.
Sometimes slight bleeding occurs with friction.
In rare cases, they are invisible and discovered incidentally during a medical examination.
Does genital warts affect pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a sensitive period that may be affected by some viral diseases that affect the reproductive system. The most prominent effects include:
Genital warts do not affect fertility or pregnancy.
In some cases, they may hinder natural childbirth if they are large.
Transmission of the virus to the fetus is very rare, but possible.
Medical follow-up is essential to safely choose the appropriate treatment.
Medical Diagnosis of Genital Warts
Diagnosis is primarily based on a clinical examination of the appearance of the warts. Sometimes, the doctor may take a simple biopsy or use magnifying instruments to confirm the condition.
Methods of Drug Treatment
There are a number of topical medications that help remove warts or reduce their spread, the most important of which are:
Antiviral creams such as imiquimod.
Chemical solutions such as podophyllin.
Acids such as trichloroacetic acid to burn the warts.
Immune system stimulants to boost the body's resistance.
Medical and Surgical Interventions
In some severe or recurrent cases, drug therapy is not sufficient. In this case, doctors resort to more effective medical methods, such as:
Cryosurgery using liquid nitrogen.
Electrocautery to remove growths.
Laser treatment to destroy infected tissue.
Surgical excision, especially in large or stubborn cases.
Prevention of Genital Warts
Prevention is the best solution to avoid infection in the first place and includes several measures, such as:
Using a condom during sexual intercourse.
Limiting sexual partners to one reliable sexual partner.
Avoiding unprotected sex.
Getting the HPV vaccine, which is one of the most important means of protection.
Regular screening should be performed if risk factors exist or unusual symptoms appear.
Article Summary
Genital warts are a viral infection that is often transmitted through sexual intercourse and appears as annoying skin growths. Treatment varies from topical medications to medical procedures such as freezing or laser, while prevention with vaccination and safe practices remains the best way to avoid infection.