Genital warts

definition

Genital warts are also called genital warts or codylomas. The technical term for these benign skin growths in the genital and anal area is condylomata acuminata.

Genital herpes and chlamydia are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases and are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). However, the presence of viruses in the body does not necessarily lead to the appearance of warts. The main mechanism of transmission is unprotected sex.

Read more on the subject here Human papillomavirus (HPV)

causes

The causes of genital warts are human papillomaviruses (HPV). These can mainly be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. This happens through the smallest injuries in the genital or anal area, through which the viruses can penetrate the skin and lodge there.

There are many different types of HPV, of which HPV 6 and 11 usually lead to genital warts. In rare cases, types 16 or 18 lead to genital warts. These are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.

A weakened immune system favors the development of genital warts when infected with human papillomaviruses. This is why they are more common in people who are infected with HIV or who are taking drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants).

Find out all about the topic here: The viral wart.

Symptoms

Genital warts are benign skin growths in the genital and anal area that are about the size of the head of a pin. They appear as reddish, brownish or gray-whitish nodules and are usually close together.

Not every human papillomavirus infection leads to genital warts. It is also possible that the symptoms only appear weeks or months after the infection.

In women, genital warts occur primarily on the labia, at the entrance to the vagina and in the cervix. In men, the glans penis, foreskin or scrotum can be affected.

As a rule, genital warts are not associated with pain. However, they can cause itching or burning in the affected area. If the genital warts are very large, the skin can tear and bleed in these areas. You may experience pain during intercourse.

Because of the appearance of the genital warts, many sufferers suffer from psychological problems, such as feelings of inferiority.

Occurrence of genital warts

Genital warts are also known as genital warts and typically occur in the Genital and anal area on. In women, the labia majora, the vaginal entrance and the cervix are affected. In men, they usually affect the foreskin, glans, and penile shaft.

Since genital warts are transmitted by smear infection, they can also appear on other parts of the body. The lining of the mouth, throat or the nipple region are then preferably affected.

Are the human papillomaviruses during the birth transferred from the genital area of ​​the mother to the infant, this can happen in the infant in genital wart-like nodules in the Area of ​​the trachea and larynx.

infection

Papillomaviruses are mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. The viruses can also be transmitted through other forms of skin contact. Bathing together or going to a sauna are possible sources of transmission, but they are extremely rare.

Transmission of the human papillomavirus from a mother to her child is also possible during birth. The genital warts pathogens are transmitted from the mother's genital area to the baby. As a result, this can develop what is known as juvenile laryx papillomatosis. This manifests itself in genital warts-like skin growths in the area of ​​the larynx and trachea, which can lead to swallowing difficulties, coughing and breathing noises.

Read more about this under Are genital warts contagious?

therapy

In most cases, the affected person can develop genital warts after the diagnosis by a doctor treat yourself. The doctor prescribes one Drug used to treat warts. This is either Podophyllotoxinthat leads to the death of the virus-infected cells or Imiquimodthat activates the body's own defense system and leads to an increased fight against the wart pathogens. The prescribed remedy must be applied regularly to the affected area for several weeks.

Freeze genital warts

In some cases, such treatment is not feasible, for example if the genital warts appear inside the body. In such cases, the doctor wears it at weekly intervals Trichloroacetic acid Use a cotton swab on the affected areas, causing the genital warts to perish.

There is also the option of using the genital wart to freeze liquid nitrogen locally. This is also done by the doctor dabbing the nitrogen on the affected area with a cotton swab. These two procedures can painful , so it may be necessary for the doctor to give the area a local anesthetic beforehand. This depends on the location, number and size of the genital warts.

Operate genital warts

If the genital warts reappear after treatment, surgical therapy may be necessary in the long term. The genital warts can be with either one sharp, small spoon worn away become (curettage) or you can by using a Lasers by heat be destroyed.
Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia (Local anesthesia) carried out. These procedures keep the risk of genital warts recurring very low.