Genital warts: what they are, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment

One of the basic aspects of our health is that which is related to our sexuality. As you know, from the sexual contact the contagion of diseases can occur, the calls STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or also STD (sexually transmitted diseases). Although the most widespread is AIDS / HIV, there are many other STIs that we must protect ourselves from, and for this the best thing is to be well informed.

In this opportunity we will go to tell you all about the calls genital warts or condyloma, which are the result of the infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

For this we will explain what these genital warts are, what are the causes of their appearance, what symptoms they present, what medical treatments exist and, above all, how we can prevent this sexually transmitted infection.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts or venereal warts are small bumps that appear on the skin, of aspect is rough, smooth consistency and generally with the same coloration of the meat.

Although they can resemble other warts that appear in other parts of our body, in this case they are located, as their name indicates, in the area of ​​the genitals, both of men and women. In the case of women, it is important to be attentive to periodic gynecological examinations, since they can occur in places where we can not detect them with the naked eye as the cervix or inside the vagina.

Genital warts may also appear on the groin or on the thighs. In the case of having unprotected intercourse by anal sex, the spread of HPV could lead to the appearance of these warts around or inside the anus. If the contagion is in oral sex, this can lead to the appearance of venereal warts on the lips, tongue, palate or throat.

What are the symptoms of the Human Papilloma Virus?

How we explained to you, The main symptom is the appearance of genital or venereal warts. However, this may be accompanied by other not so frequent symptoms. Among them we can mention, in women, an abnormal increase in vaginal discharge or bleeding while having sex or afterwards. In men, itching strong on the penis, scrotum or anal area. There may also be increased moisture in the area affected by the warts.

It is important to know that certain types of HPV can lead to the development of anal cancer and in women, cervical cancer. Therefore, do not forget how important it is to prevent and also periodically check with a specialist.

Why do genital warts appear?

We have already mentioned that these warts are transmitted through the sexual route. That is, having contact with the genital parts of an infected person is what produces the infection.

It is important to clarify something that we must keep in mind, many people own the virus but not the symptoms, so that by not having warts or any other indication of the infection they may not know its existence. However, they are transmitters of the virus, being able to cause the contagion of another person. Another fact is that warts can appear after several months or even several years of infection.

How can we prevent the spread of genital warts?

This is the most important point to keep in mind, prevention. Proper care can allow us to have a healthy and full sex life. Although we can not avoid 100% of the chances of contagion (this is only possible by not having any kind of sexual relationship), we can do much to reduce it to a minimum.

One way to decrease the odds is to use the condom or condom (either male or female). However, as the virus or warts may be on the skin other areas such as the groin or thighs is not a total protection. It must also be used from the beginning to the end of the sexual relationship.

It is also recommended to reduce the chances of maintaining a single sexual partner, and ideally who we know has been examined and does not have this or other venereal diseases. Of course using condoms too.

There are also injections that immunize against some varieties of the Human Papilloma Virus, preventing the appearance of cervical cancer and which is usually applied to women from 9 or 11 years of age. To do this, consult your doctor if you or your daughters can receive this vaccine.

How are genital warts treated?

After the diagnosis, various treatments can be indicated, either through medications, with surgical procedures that can be cryo surgery, laser, electrocautery or extirpation This article is published only for informative purposes.It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.

STI | What Are Genital Warts? | StreamingWell.com (March 2024)