Genital Warts
In women, warts usually occur on the vaginal lips, the area between the anus and the vagina, the anal canal, vaginal walls and the cervix. In men, it can be observed in the penis, scrotum (testicular bag) and anus. People who have oral sexual contact with a person infected with HPV may develop warts in the mouth, tongue and throat.
Vaginal discharge, itching, burning sensation and bleeding are among the symptoms usually seen together with warts in the genital areas.
Why do genital warts occur?
Warts occur when the virus called HPV infects the person. There are more than 40 subtypes of HPV that affect the genital area. Only a few of these subtypes cause warts. HPV is a virus that spreads through contact. A person infected with HPV may not show any symptoms and can transmit this virus to his partner sexually. The virus disappears on its own over time, without showing any symptoms in most people. However, it may cause wart formation in some people. In order for the person carrying the virus to infect the other party, contact of the sexual areas is sufficient. Since it is a small-sized virus, it can easily enter the body through small abrasions and cracks in the skin.
What are the risk factors for genital warts?
The vast majority of sexually active individuals become infected with the HPV virus at least once in their lives. Those infected with the HPV subtype that causes warts can also get genital warts. Some risk factors increase the chance of encountering HPV. These:
- – Unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners,
- – Having a sexually transmitted disease other than genital warts,
- – Becoming sexually active at an early age,
- – Having diseases that suppress the immune system or receiving such treatments (such as chemotherapy).
What diseases does HPV infection cause, other than genital warts?
People infected with HPV usually recover from this virus within a few years. However, the virus can continue to exist in the body and cause various problems. While some subtypes of HPV cause genital warts, some subtypes cause cancer. Cancers of the cervix, anus, mouth and penis; These are cancers closely related to HPV infection. Cervical cancer, especially in women, is highly associated with HPV. Women should be screened for cervical cancer by performing a Pap smear test at regular intervals after the age of 30. This screening test is very important for early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
Do genital warts cause problems during pregnancy?
It is rare for genital warts to cause an additional problem throughout pregnancy. Although uncommon, warts can grow and make urination difficult. Warts on the vaginal wall may prevent the vaginal tissues from stretching during birth. Warts on the vaginal lips may bleed due to excessive expansion during birth. Although it is a very rare condition, warts may occur in the throat of babies born to a mother with genital warts. These warts may need to be surgically removed to prevent them from blocking the baby’s airway.
Is it possible to prevent the formation of genital warts?
There are vaccines developed against HPV, which plays a role in the formation of various cancers, especially genital warts and cervical cancer. While there are vaccines that protect only against HPV subtypes that cause cancer, there are also vaccines that protect against HPV subtypes that cause genital warts as well as cancer. These vaccines can be given to anyone over the age of 45. However, vaccination before active sexual life begins provides more effective protection. It is recommended that girls and boys receive the HPV vaccine after the age of 9. In this way, the chances of contracting diseases such as genital warts, cervix and penis cancer in the future are reduced. In addition, using a condom that prevents skin contact during sexual intercourse is a method of protection that reduces the risk of genital warts.