| Alternative names |
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Condyloma, Anal Warts, Penile Warts, Venereal Warts, Condylomata Acuminata, Human papilloma virus infection.
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| Causes and risk factors |
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Genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and it is transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person.
About 80 percent of those infected are between the ages of 17-33.
Unprotected sex with unknown person, unprotected sex multiple partners, sexual activity at early age, history of some other sexually transmitted disease are all risk factors for genital warts.
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| Signs and symptoms |
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Genital warts are the clusters of warts around the genital area and anus. It is a cauliflower like growth. They are present on the tip of the penis, scrotum, vulva, urethra, surrounding vagina, inside the vagina and cervix (opening of the uterus). The signs and symptoms include:- - small, flesh colored or grey swellings in the genital areas
- itching , irritation and discomfort in the genital areas
- bleeding during intercourse
The virus can penetrate through skin during sex. It can remain inactive (latent) phase for indefinite period of time may be months or years. In this state of without symptoms also the person can transmit the virus to the sexual partner. |
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| Tests and tools |
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Genital warts are diagnosed based on presence of warts around the genital area and their appearance. If warts are not seen by naked eye magnification (colposcopy) may be used. Use of acetic acid may also be done to visualize the warts. Pap smear test is also useful in diagnosing genital warts, especially in women.
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| Treatment |
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About 30 percent of the warts get cured without any treatment.
However, symptomatic warts can be treated by topical applications of certain creams. Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery, Electric cauterization, Laser cauterization and pulsed dye laser are the surgical treatment methods.
All these treatments are to cure the warts not to cure the infection; since HPV can never be completely eliminated therefore the warts can reoccur.
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| Expectations (Prognosis) |
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According to a new theory, HPV can be eliminated from the body in one to two years.
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| Complications |
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HPV can cause pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix and if not treated it is a risk for cervical cancer. It may create problems if the patient is pregnant. If the virus gets transmitted to the baby then warts may develop in the throat and surgery may be required to prevent obstruction of the airways.
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| Calling your health care provider |
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Any sexual contact with an infected person or with a partner who has warts in his/her genital area, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider at the earliest.
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| Prevention |
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Vaccine is available for HPV. It is preventive and not therapeutic. It means it has to be taken before the exposure to the virus and after the exposure to the virus it does not help in curing the disease.
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