Do you have genital warts? (Genital Warts) - Let's talk about this!

Have you ever had small bumps, like warts, in your genital area, that is, in the private area, maybe on the back of your thighs, or on the side of your anus? Or have you heard that a friend or acquaintance has had one? It is normal to feel a little scared, embarrassed, and uncomfortable when you see these. But it is very important to be aware of this and understand it. Because this is a topic that affects many people and is also a bit difficult to talk about. Today, let's talk about these genital warts , or in medical terms ( Genital Warts ) , in simple terms.

What exactly are genital warts?

Simply put, genital warts are small bumps or warts that appear on the skin around our genitals and anus due to a sexually transmitted infection ( STI ) . The main cause of these is certain types of the virus called ``Human Papillomavirus ( HPV )`` . There are many types of this HPV virus, but not all types cause genital warts. The two types called HPV 6 and HPV 11 are the ones that most often cause these genital warts.

The most important thing is that there is currently no cure for this HPV virus. However, genital warts can be treated. That means they can be removed.

These warts can be transmitted from one person to another through vaginal , anal, or oral sex.

Where can these warts develop?

Genital warts can appear in these places on our bodies:

• Groin area
• Anus
• Inside the rectum (Rectum)
• Penis and scrotum
• Vagina - the inside of the vagina, including the labia minora and labia majora, and the cervix
• Sometimes it can also appear on the lips, inside the mouth, tongue, or throat.

Who gets these more often? How common is it?

Genital warts can develop in anyone, regardless of gender. However, they are most common in young people, usually between the ages of 15 and 25. You are more likely to develop genital warts if you:

• If you do not use protective methods such as condoms or dental dams during sex.
• If you have more than one sexual partner.

Just think, every year, millions of people, especially young people, are said to develop genital warts. The HPV virus that causes these warts is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world . It's important to remember that there are many types of HPV, so not all types cause warts.

Are genital warts contagious?

Yes, absolutely. Both genital warts and the HPV virus that causes them are contagious. As mentioned earlier, there is no cure for HPV. Once you have the virus, you are always able to spread it to others. Even if you no longer have visible warts, or if you have had them removed, you can still spread HPV and genital warts to others. This is something that many people don't fully understand.

How do these genital warts occur?

This is caused by certain types of HPV. They are spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse. The common warts on our hands and feet are caused by a different type of HPV. So you won't get genital warts just by touching a wart on your hand.

Several ways genital warts are transmitted:

• Sexual intercourse: That means anal, vaginal-male, vaginal-vaginal intercourse.
• Genital contact: It can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even without ejaculation.
• Giving oral sex to someone who has HPV or genital warts.
• Receiving oral sex from someone who has HPV or warts in the mouth, lips, or tongue.

Importantly, even if you have the HPV virus that causes genital warts, you may never develop warts. This means that even if you have no symptoms, you can still pass the HPV virus to your partner, who can then develop genital warts. This is why it is sometimes difficult to know exactly who you got it from.

What are the symptoms?

Warts usually appear as rough, skin-colored or white-gray bumps. Genital warts often have a cauliflower-like appearance, with many small bumps clustered together. Some may be flat. Genital warts are usually not painful . However, they can sometimes cause symptoms such as:

• Slight bleeding.
• Feeling like burning.
• An inconvenience.
• Itching or intense tingling in the genital area.

Some warts are very small. But they are usually easy to pick up or see. Sometimes, many warts can grow together and form clusters, which can grow larger and look like a stalk. Many warts start out as very small, soft bumps, so they may go unnoticed at first.

How long after infection do warts appear?

Some people may develop genital warts within a few weeks of having sex with someone who has HPV. However, in many cases, it can take months, even years, for warts to appear. This is why it is difficult to know exactly when you were infected with genital warts.

Also, you can have the virus without developing genital warts. You may not know if you have warts inside your anus or vagina. If you don't have symptoms, you can spread the virus to others without even knowing it.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

Your doctor can identify genital warts by looking at them on the outside. Sometimes, they may also take a small piece of skin for testing (a biopsy) to be sure. Internal warts are a little harder to identify.

Doctors use these tests to diagnose genital warts:

• Pelvic exam: During this exam for women, a `Pap test` may be done to check for changes in the cervix due to genital warts. The doctor may also examine the vagina and cervix with an instrument called `Colposcopy` and, if necessary, take a small sample for testing.
• Anal exam: A doctor uses an instrument called an anoscope to look inside the anus for warts.

If you think you have a genital wart, be sure to see a doctor. Other sexually transmitted infections, such as common birthmarks or skin tags, can look like genital warts. It's important to get a proper diagnosis so you can get the right treatment.

What is the treatment?

Genital warts can sometimes go away on their own, as our immune system can fight off the infection that causes them. However, they can become larger, more numerous, or more uncomfortable. Removing genital warts reduces the risk of spreading the infection, as warts are more easily transmitted when they are active. But remember, treatments for genital warts do not cure the HPV virus.

There are various ways to remove genital warts. You may need to have several treatments to get rid of them. It is best to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.

Your doctor may use one of these methods to treat genital warts:

• Electrocautery: This involves burning and removing the wart using a small electrical device.
• Cryotherapy: In this treatment, the doctor applies a very cold substance called liquid nitrogen to the warts, freezing them to death.
• Laser treatment: A laser beam destroys the small blood vessels inside the wart, which then deprives the wart of its blood supply.
• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): In this procedure, the doctor uses an electrically charged wire loop to cut and remove the wart. This method can be used to remove warts on the cervix.
• Topical medicine: A doctor-prescribed chemical lotion or cream is applied to the wart once a week for several weeks. These chemicals cause blisters to form under the wart and stop bleeding. Sometimes these chemicals can be applied in the doctor's office. Doctors can also prescribe creams that you can use at home.
• Surgery: For large warts, or warts that do not respond to other treatments , your doctor may perform surgery to cut and remove them.

Remember, treatments to remove genital warts will not cure you of HPV. Even if you don't have active warts or have them removed, you can still transmit HPV.

How long will these warts last? Can they come back?

Genital warts and HPV are lifelong conditions, meaning that even if they are treated and removed, they can come back.

Not everyone responds to wart removal treatments the same way. If you have genital warts, talk to your doctor about which removal method is best for you.

Can genital warts cause other complications? Can they cause cancer?

Genital warts do not usually cause serious health complications. The type of HPV that causes genital warts is low-risk. The types of HPV that cause cancer are not the same as the types that cause genital warts. Therefore, genital warts do not become cancerous.

How do genital warts affect pregnancy?

If you have active genital warts while you're pregnant, your hormone levels may cause the warts to bleed, enlarge, or grow more frequently. Rarely, complications can occur, such as:

• A large or very large wart can interfere with labor. In that case, the baby may need to be delivered by cesarean section (C-section) .
• HPV can infect the fetus and cause warts to form in the baby's respiratory tract. This condition is called `Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis` , but this is very rare.

If you have had genital warts before and they are not active during pregnancy, there are usually no problems.

What happens if you have genital warts? What to expect?

Genital warts and HPV are common sexually transmitted infections. These types of warts and the types of HPV that cause them do not increase your risk of developing cancer. Some people only get genital warts once, while others get them repeatedly. Treatment can remove warts, but it cannot cure them or the HPV virus. Because you will always be infected, you should practice safe sex with your partners.

Is there a vaccine to prevent genital warts? (HPV Vaccine)

Yes, the HPV vaccine can protect against some types of HPV, including the types that cause genital warts and some types that cause cancer. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Even if you have already been infected with the type of HPV that causes genital warts, the vaccine can protect you against other serious types of HPV.

The latest recommendations suggest that people up to age 45 can get the HPV vaccine to protect against the virus. HPV is the most common STI and can cause some cancers and genital warts. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the HPV vaccine.

How can we protect ourselves from these? (Prevention)

If you are sexually active, you can take these steps to protect yourself from HPV, genital warts, and other STIs:

• Always use condoms or dental dams.
• Get the HPV vaccine.
• Get tested for STIs regularly and get treatment if necessary.
• If you have HPV or genital warts, tell your sexual partners so they can get tested and treated too.
• Have sex with only one sexual partner, or limit the number of partners.
• Do not douche inside the vagina.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• A tickle or itch in the genital area.
• Pain during sex.
• Pain when urinating (dysuria).
• Abnormal or foul-smelling discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Redness, soreness, or swelling in the vagina or penis.

What are the important questions to ask the doctor?

If you have genital warts, you can ask your doctor these questions:

• What is the best treatment for me?
• Can warts come back after treatment?
• What is the best way to prevent getting another STI?
• How can I protect my partner from getting HPV or genital warts?
• Am I at risk for cervical cancer? If so, what should I do to protect my health?
• Should I be concerned about symptoms of complications?

Do non-sexually transmitted warts also occur in the genital area?

No. All genital warts are considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How do you stop spreading genital warts to someone else?

There are several things you can do to prevent your partner from getting genital warts:

• Always use condoms or dental dams during sex.
• Avoid having sex when someone is visible outside.
• Tell your partner that you have genital warts before having sex.

What is the difference between Genital Warts and Herpes?

Genital herpes ( `Herpes Simplex Type 2` ) is a sexually transmitted infection, just like genital warts. However, herpes causes sores and fluid-filled blisters in the genital area. This is different from warts. Warts are small bumps that usually do not cause open sores. Both infections are spread through vaginal and anal sex.

Does having a lump in the genital area mean it's an STI?

Yes. Almost all genital warts are caused by the HPV virus. It is a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact.

Finally, I have to say... (Take-Home Message)

Did you know that thousands of people get genital warts every year, and thousands more have the virus that causes them? Genital warts can take months, even years, to appear after you've been infected. Once you know you have genital warts and HPV, it's important to share that information with your sexual partners. Your doctor can give you tips on how to prevent the spread of this sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can also take steps to protect yourself from other STIs.

Remember, there is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of when something like this happens. The most important thing is to seek medical advice quickly and be informed. Then you and your partner can stay safe.

` Genital Warts, HPV, Sexual Health, STI, Wart Treatment, HPV Vaccine