The genital area is a very sensitive part of the body. One can develop a problem like warts. Hence, it can cause pain, discomfort, and itchiness in the affected area. The human papillomavirus causes this condition. HPV warts can pass on through sexual activity and other direct means of contact. It can be mild or a serious health problem like cancer.
1. Risks
Both men and women can have it if they are sexually active with many partners. However, it is more dangerous in women than in men because it can cause cervical cancer. One of the best ways to stop it is to treat it right away.
2. Causes
The HPV warts come in 30 to 40 types of strains, but only a few can lead to warts. Also, it can transfer through direct contact. Unfortunately, it is a common type, especially to sexually active people. According to Disease Control and Prevention, people who sexually active will have it at some point in their life.
Most of the time, the virus will not turn into warts but will go away. The virus that can turn into warts at the genital area is different from those on the hands and feet. Hence, it can spread from the hands to the genital and the other way around.
3. Signs
After direct contact with a person with HPV warts, signs will not quickly develop. Hence, it may take weeks or months before the infection starts. Also, some are not obvious in this part of the body. Some are very small, with a similar color to the skin. One can also have cauliflower-like bumps that are rough.
Genital warts in men it may appear in:
- Thigh
- Penis
- Groin
- Scrotum
- In or outside the anus
For women, it may appear in:
- Inside or outside the anus
- In or outside the vagina
- Around the cervix
A person who has an oral sexual activity with an infected person may develop warts on the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat.
4. Complications
Genital warts in men are not as dangerous in women. In females, it may cause changes in cells at the cervix. Also, some may develop into cancer of the anal, vulva, and cervix.
- Cancer- The virus is one of the main causes of cervical cancer in women. Although some may not lead to a serious condition, a regular Pap test is advisable.
- Pregnancy problems- Furthermore, it can become enlarged during pregnancy making it hard to urinate. Also, it can bleed during delivery when stretched. A baby that is born from a mother with genital warts can have it inside the throat. Although it is unusual, it can happen. Once the baby has it inside the throat, then the operation is needed to free the airway.
5. Diagnosis
Once you visit the doctor, you may need to answer several questions. These questions include health status and sexual activities. Also, you need to tell them about your symptoms and recent sexual activity. For instance, oral sex, with or without condoms and other sexual activities, are some. A doctor will do a physical check-up of different parts of the body.
To come up with the best genital warts treatment, a doctor may ask for a pelvic exam for women. It is important to know if there are warts inside the vagina. Hence, they will use a mild acid solution to make warts visible.
Another way is through a Pap test that will take a sample inside the cervix. The test can tell if there is an HPV infection.
6. Prevention
The most effective way to stay away from it is to avoid sexual activity with different partners. Also, vaccination is the best way to prevent getting warts. It is safe to use a condom during sex, but it is not 100 percent protection from the virus. There are different genital warts treatments available. The doctor will give the most suitable one according to your condition.
It may go away after treatment, but some may also come back after some time. Therefore, there is no actual cure for it, but the body has its way to clear it away. Removal is another way to stop the spread, but it not very effective. One can try topical creams but ask for a doctor’s advice first before using one.
