Definition: Genital warts are very common and occur as small fleshy bumps, growths or skin changes usually on or around the genital and the anal area. It is the second common sexually transmitted infection in England.
Causes of genital warts: Human papilloma virus or HPV causes Genital Warts. It is believed that HPV is not a single virus but has more than 100 different strains, but most cases of genital warts are caused by type 6 and type 11 strains.
As this is a sexually transmitted disease this can easily pass from one person to another through skin contact and sexual activity like vaginal, anal and oral case. Also, sharing sex toys and genital to genital contact can also lead to warts.
Symptoms & Early Signs of Genital Warts: Most people who have an HPV infection will not develop any visible warts. If genital warts do appear, it can be several weeks, months or even years after you first came into contact with the virus.
Warts in women:
Women usually have warts at the opening and inside the vagina, inside and around the anus and the upper thighs.
Warts in men:
Men develop these warts on the scrotum, penis, upper thighs, around and inside the anus and urethra.
Complications: The symptoms associated with warts are that though painless they become inflamed and itchy. In case a wart becomes inflamed it leads to bleeding from the vagina, urethra or the anus. If warts develop in the urethra, then it obstructs the flow of the urine.
Tests and diagnosis: A routine examination at the doctor’s office is an apt method for the diagnosis of warts. Treatment of the warts usually depends on the area of their location. Usually treatment is not required if the warts are not visible. There are two main line of treatment for the genital warts. These are topical treatment, which involves the application of lotion or cream on the warts. The other is physical ablation which involves the destroying of the tissues of the warts
Prevention: Genital warts can be easily prevented by using condoms during sexual activity. Also, HPV vaccine is very effective in preventing the genital warts which is for girls aged 12-13 years.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!