Genital Warts

23 Jun

Posted by Admin as Uncategorized

Genital warts may be small, flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps. In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum. In women, genital warts may grow on the vulva and perineal area, in the vagina and on the cervix. Genital warts vary in size and may even be so small that you can’t see them. They can lead to cancer of the cervix in women or cancer of the penis in men. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many kinds of HPV. Not all of them cause genital warts.

What are the signs of genital warts?

Genital warts do not appear until two to four weeks after infection and sometimes months pass before the warts become visible.Genital warts do not usually hurt, but they can be itchy. The warts have varied appearances - from completely flat warts to rough cauliflower-like warts. They can appear on their own or in groups.In males, genital warts often appear on the penis or underneath the foreskin. The warts can also be situated in the urethra, in most cases at the very end of it, and the area around the rectum.In females, genital warts appear on the lips of the vulva, in the vagina, or by the urethra. Genital warts can also appear in and around the rectum.

Cause

More than 100 different types of HPV exist, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact and are classified as either low risk or high risk.Some types of HPV cause genital warts–single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas of men and women including the vagina, cervix, vulva (area outside of the vagina), penis, and rectum. These are considered low-risk types.High-risk types of HPV may cause abnormal Pap smear results. They could lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis.

Symptoms of genital warts:

Raised, flesh-colored lesions on the genitals, anus, or surrounding skin Cauliflower-like appearing growths around the anus or genitals, Increased dampness or moisture in the area of the growths, Itching of the penis, scrotum, anal area, or a vulvar itch, Increased vaginal discharge , Abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual period) after sexual intercourse

Contagiousness:

Genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact (anal, oral, and vaginal) with an infected person, and warts can appear within several weeks or months afterwards. The virus is passed through skin-to-skin contact, but not everyone who’s been exposed to the virus will develop genital warts.

Genital Warts Treatment (HPV)

Self-Care at Home:Because genital warts essentially have no symptoms, there is little need for home treatment. It is important, however, to recognize that the warts exist.You need to take the necessary precautions to prevent trauma to the area, which can result in bleeding.You should take care to prevent transmission to sexual partners.Because the warts themselves are infectious, avoid touching them. Do not pick or squeeze the warts.

Other HPV-related cancers are much less common than cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008, there will be: 3,460 women diagnosed with vulvar cancer; 2,210 women diagnosed with vaginal and other female genital cancers; 1,250 men diagnosed with penile and other male genital cancers; and 3,050 women and 2,020 men diagnosed with anal cancer.