Genital wart; It is a sexually transmitted infection that occurs in the genital area and is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It is seen in 1-2% of people aged 15-49. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and about half of them can cause genital wart. The incubation period of the disease can be weeks or years. Due to hot and humid areas that are located in the female and male genital areas, it starts as a small, red or brown swelling around the anus (breech) and in the genital area in women, which is more common in small lips. It grows bigger and looks like a cauliflower. Contagion can be with sexual intercourse or contact only, without sexual intercourse. Genital warts are usually diagnosed by doctors by clinical examination. Sometimes a definitive biopsy may be required for differential diagnosis. For the sickness, there are options for the treatment that the patient will perform at home or the clinician will administer at home. These treatments can take a long time. Choice of treatment depends on the features such as location, number, size, etc. of genital warts.
Protection from genital wart by vaccination:
It is recommended that 3 doses of HPV be given to girls aged 11-12 years.
Patients infected with a type of virus may benefit from protection against other types of virus in the vaccine, so vaccination should also be given to patients with genital warts.
Protecting yourself and your partner:
If you have genital warts, report this to your partner as soon as possible and go to a doctor for evaluation.
If your partner is receiving treatment for genital warts, you should definitely see a doctor.
Avoid sexual intercourse when you or your partner have symptoms.
If you have genital warts, you should also be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases. Please indicate this to your partners as well. When some warts disappear, new warts may appear in nearby areas. For this reason, a periodic examination of the genital area is necessary.
Genital warts are likely to recur even after complete treatment.
In women, “smear test” should be made regularly because of cervical cancer risk. Some of the viruses causing genital warts (HPV types 16, 18) can also cause cervical cancer.
In people with immune system problems, the injuries may be more severe and the treatment may be more difficult to respond, with a higher risk of recurrence.
Proper and continuous use of latex condoms can reduce genital wart risk. But genital warts can be seen in non-condom areas.
Washing, urinating, disinfecting with antiseptic after sexual intercourse does not provide protection from this disease.