What are genital warts?

Highlights

genital warts are products of a sexually transmitted infection caused by human papilloma virus.
they are common in both sexes. Genital warts in women are particularly dangerous in because of the risk of cervical cancer.
genital warts in children points to sexual abuse
genital warts are common in uncircumcised men.
about 90 serotypes of human papilloma virus exists, few are of clinical importance.
Genital warts are a fleshy cauliflower- like growths on the private part. The warts are caused by human papilloma virus low risk serotypes 5, 6 and 11. High risk human papilloma virus 16 and 18 are responsible for cervical cancer in women. Over 300,000 persons between the age group of 17-37 develop genital warts yearly. Genital warts can be developed weeks, months or even years after sexual exposure. There are about serotypes of human papilloma viruses of which serotypes 5, 6, 11, and 18 most commonly affect the genital tract through sexual transmission.



RISK FACTORS

Who is at risk of developing genital warts?

Genital warts can occur in anybody but the following groups are more susceptible to the infection:

sexually active males and females
men having sex with men (MSM)
persons with HIV/AIDs
commercial sex workers
immunocompromised individuals like diabetes milletus and cancer patients
persons indulging in risky sexual behaviours
sexually abused individuals
having multiple sexual partners.
Symptoms

What are the symptoms of genital warts

Warts caused by human papilloma virus can be single or multiple, raised, or flat. Perianal warts whilst being more commonly found in MSM, are also found in heterosexual men and in women. The commonest signs of genital warts are:

fleshy, flat, or bumpy growths on the penis that look like a cauliflower
growth may be itchy
single or multiple growth
the growths are commoner on the glans of the penis
pain may be experienced if infected
the growths may multiply to form large, clustered, and vegetating giant mass
the giant type occurs most commonly in uncircumcised males
In some males, growth may be found in the urethral and this may make urination difficult. Genital warts in males apart from the penis may be found on the scrotum, groin, around the anus, lips, tongue, jaw, hands, foot, or throat of a person involved in MouthAction.

For women, warts are not visible i.e. may not be found in the vulva inside the vaginal wall, cervix, or anus hence they feel a burning sensation, have intense itching, pain during intercourse and some may even bleed. Genital warts in pregnancy, may dramatically increase in size and number making treatment difficult. Rarely, they are large enough to obstruct labour and, in this case, delivery by caesarean section may be required. Rarely, mother-to-child transmission of HPV leads to anogenital warts, or possibly laryngeal tumours, in the newborn.

When do genital warts develop?

It may take weeks, months, or years after exposure before warts develop. Sometimes there are asymptomatic carriers of HPV that can infect others. Hence, genital warts may not necessarily translate to unfaithfulness of your partner in some instances, it could be that complicated.

How are genital warts diagnosed?

The diagnosis can be made clinically by the doctor by taking history especially your sexual history and performing a physical examination. The doctor most times makes a “spot diagnosis” by just observation of your perianal area for visible warts.

For women, a full pelvic examination is performed with a pap smear from the cervix taken for further investigation to rule out cervical cancer. For both males and females, an instrument called protoscope may be introduced into your rectum for examination and to take samples for investigations.



Treatments

Can genital warts be treated?

Yes. A variety of treatments are available for established cases of genital warts. The following are treatment options on how to get rid of genital warts:
Swissgarde defender, super cider, Africa pot, immune booster etc.
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