HPV – Genital Wart Treatment
Warts located in the genital area are called Conyloma accuminata in Latin. It settles on all skin and mucosa of the genital area such as the penis, scrotum, vagina, anus, and cervix. Apart from the genital area, it can also settle in the mouth, lips, cheeks and throat. The cause of warts located on other body parts such as genitals and hands/feet is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are nearly 200 subtypes of HPV. About 40 of these types cause warts in the genital area. Some types of HPV that settle in the genital area have the potential to cause cancer. These types are divided into two groups: low and high risk. High risk HPV types; HPV types 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, 82, especially HPV types 16 and 18, are high-risk types.
HPV is the most commonly transmitted sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is more common in individuals whose sexual experience begins at an early age, who have a large number of sexual partners, and who have unprotected intercourse. Genital warts are transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sexual contact, and the transmission rate is approximately 60%. After HPV infection, the time it takes for warts to form is between 3 weeks and 24 months, depending on the individual’s immune system status and the type of HPV. While 30% of individuals infected with HPV develop warts, 70% do not and become carriers.
Genital warts, which appear as raised or flat, skin-colored-pink-brown flesh-like bumps on the skin, usually start in millimeters and increase in number if not treated, and can reach quite large sizes. Genital warts rarely itch, and in women, itching can cause bleeding during sexual intercourse and pregnancy.
The diagnosis of genital warts is made by clinical examination, but in some atypical-looking cases, histopathological examination after biopsy may be required. In female patients who do not have clinically seen warts, the presence of HPV-DNA should be checked by smear test and PCR. In male patients, the presence of HPV can be investigated from the urethral swab with the Multiplex PCR test.
Chemically burning or immune system regulating creams can be applied on warts, but they must be done under the supervision of a doctor. It can cause side effects, especially irritation, which can lead to kidney failure. The success of cream treatments increases if the warts are few and small, otherwise it is not very effective. Cryotherapy is the process of freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, it requires experience and if not done in an effective dose, on the contrary, it can cause warts to increase. Electrocautery, laser and plasma energy-based burning procedures provide more comfortable and successful results under local anesthesia. The scars that develop after burning procedures disappear over time. Large warts that occur in small numbers can be surgically excised.
When you do not have HPV treatment and follow-up regularly, it can lead to pre-cancerous lesions and cancer, especially in individuals with high-risk HPV. In particular, cervical cancer, that is, cervical cancer, but also anogenital region, penis and head and neck cancers can be seen. If you are pregnant, you should definitely get treatment as your warts pose a risk of transmission to your unborn baby. Getting treatment greatly reduces your risk of passing warts on to your partner.
Vaccination, circumcision and condom use are important to prevent HPV and reduce transmission. In order to prevent recurrences due to shaving trauma in the genital area, depilatory creams or laser epilation should be applied.
The content of the page is for informational purposes only, be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Content Update Date: 14.12.2022