Genital warts
General characteristics of the disease
Genital warts or genital warts are a viral disease caused by a subtype of HPV (Human Papillomavirus). In their appearance, these formations on the genitals resemble a miniature cauliflower with a small stalk. This type of papilloma virus is transmitted exclusively sexually, therefore genital warts in men and women are classified as genital infections.
In the bulk of people infected with the papilloma virus, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. The appearance of genital warts is typical only for 1-2% of people with weakened immunity and chronic diseases of the reproductive system.
Symptoms of genital warts
The papillomavirus has the ability, under favorable conditions, to multiply intensively in a certain part of the body, and in this case, on the mucous membrane of the genitals. The accumulation of a large number of microorganisms leads to changes in the functions of the epithelium of the genitals and to the appearance of genital warts. They are flesh-colored or pink growths ranging in size from a few millimeters to 1-2 centimeters.
In men, genital warts are most often located in the region of the glans penis, on the frenum or the inner surface of the foreskin. In women, genital warts are often affected by the labia minora and labia majora, as well as the vestibule of the vagina. It is also possible the appearance of genital warts in women of the hymen, cervix and urethra. The last named location of genital warts is the most unpleasant, as it causes significant discomfort during urination. With advanced forms of the disease or infection during oral sex, genital warts in men and women can spread to the oral cavity and throat.
Genital warts are characterized by rapid growth. They reach their full size in just a few hours. Usually, several (up to a dozen) genital warts appear on the genitals at once, which do not further increase and do not spread. This specific property of genital warts simplifies the treatment of the disease by removing genital warts.
Diagnosis of genital warts
For a qualified professional, gynecologist or urologist, a simple physical examination is usually sufficient to establish a diagnosis of genital warts. The asymptomatic course of the disease in a person whose sexual partner suffers from genital warts is diagnosed using the genetic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. This method also allows you to establish the number of viruses and make a conclusion about a chronic or one-time manifestation of the infection.
Treatment of genital warts
In the treatment of genital warts, the goal is, firstly, to remove pathological formations on the genitals, and secondly, to reduce the amount of papilloma virus in the human body. Removal of genital warts occurs using cryo- or laser destruction, thermo- or chemical coagulation, as well as through the use of radiosurgery. Each of the listed methods of removing genital warts is characterized by high efficiency and the absence of traces from the procedure. Therefore, the choice of a method for removing genital warts depends only on the technical equipment of the hospital, where the patient, suffering from this disease, applied.
The greatest difficulty is the removal of genital warts in the urethra. In this case, the operation is performed using a urethroscope, which facilitates access to the walls of the affected organ. For genital warts in the urethra, it is common practice to chemically remove genital warts by topical treatment with nitric acid-based solutions. The procedure for treating genital warts in men and women with lesions of the urethra is practically no different.
Pharmacological treatment of genital warts involves the appointment of drugs designed to strengthen human immunity. Unfortunately, medicine does not yet know how to effectively kill the papillomavirus. In the treatment of genital warts, drugs of a general immunomodulatory nature, as well as drugs for local improvement of immunity in the form of vaginal tablets or suppositories for genital warts in women, and in the form of gels and ointments for genital warts in men, have proven themselves well.
Prevention of genital warts
And in the case of preventing the primary manifestation of genital warts, and in the case of preventing the recurrence of the disease, at the moment, only general immunity-strengthening means are effective: a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and good sleep. To avoid infection with the papilloma virus, it is recommended to use barrier methods of contraception.
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The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
