Womens Health Blog

Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease. They are small, benign lumps of skin that appear on the vulva and anus, inside the vagina, and on the cervix.

What Causes Them?

Genital warts are caused by the same virus that causes warts on other parts of the body. The virus is called HPV or the human papillomavirus, and can be spread through personal and sexual contact. It is possible to transfer the virus from one part of the body to the genital region, although this is rare.

Genital warts are most often transmitted sexually. It may take several months after infection before a wart becomes visible in the genital region.

Should I See The Doctor

Genital warts do not usually cause any discomfort. However, left untreated they may grow and spread. There is also the risk that they may be transmitted to a new sexual partner. Perhaps the most serious consequence of infection with HPV is the increased risk of developing cervical cancer that untreated infection brings. The diagnosis of genital warts is made on the basis of your doctor’s examination.

What Might The Doctor Do?

• Treatment of genital warts depends on their location. After examining you thoroughly and perhaps screening you for other sexually transmitted diseases, the doctor may prescribe a special lotion called podophyllin, which you will be asked to apply to the warts, carefully avoiding any surrounding healthy skin. If the warts are in a difficult location, it is sometimes best for medical staff to apply the lotion for you, to prevent damage to the surrounding skin.
• If podophyllin does not succeed in clearing the warts after a few weeks, stronger agents such as trichloroacetic acid could be used. Occasionally the genital warts may be frozen off with liquid nitrogen and, rarely, a laser may be used to burn them away.
• If you haven’t had a cervical smear recently, your doctor will take one, and may arrange a colposcopy to make sure your cervix is free from infection.
• Apart from the increased risk of an abnormal smear test, there are very few other complications of infection with the HPV virus.

What Can I Do?

• As soon as you notice any abnormal area of skin in or around your genital area, it is best to see your doctor.
• Having a regular smear test will also protect you from the dangers of untreated infection with HPV by detecting the disease promptly. You must ask your doctor to explain all of the treatments she suggests to you.
• Try to persuade your sexual partner to see his doctor or attend a genitourinary clinic to check for genital warts.

Filed under: Uncategorized