What is genital wart?

What is genital wart?

The genital wart is one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. At least half of all sexually active people will be infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts at some point during their lives. Women are slightly more likely than men to develop genital warts. As the name suggests, genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. Genital warts may appear small, as flesh-colored lumps or an appearance of cauliflower. In many cases, the warts are so small that they can not be seen with the naked eye. Some genital strains of HPV can cause only genital warts, others may be more severe and develop into a cancer. Vaccines can help protect against certain types of HPV. Causes Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause of genital warts. There are over 40 different strains of HPV that specifically affect the genital area. Genital HPV is transmitted through sexual contact. In most cases, the immune system kill the virus and you never develop signs or symptoms of the infection. Risk factors The World Health Organization estimates that at least half of all sexually active people will be infected with genital HPV at some point in life. Factors that can increase the risk of infection include:

• Become sexually active at a young age
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners or partner
• Having another sexually transmitted infection
• Having sex with a partner or partner whose sexual history you do not know

Symptoms of genital wart
In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva (area outside the vagina), the area between the vagina and the anus, anal canal and the cervix. In men, they may occur on the tip or shaft of the penis, on the scrotum or anus. Genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person. The signs and symptoms of genital warts include:

• Small bumps, flesh-colored or gray, in the genital area
• Several joints warts that assume a form of cauliflower
• Itching or discomfort in your genital area
• Bleeding during sex.

Often, genital warts are so small and flat can not be seen with the naked eye. Sometimes, however, genital warts can multiply into large clusters. In the medical consultation You probably talk to a urologist or gynecologist, but the problem can also be analyzed by a general practitioner. As medical consultations are usually very short, you can already take some information recorded to facilitate the diagnosis, such as: All your symptoms and when they started

• Recent sexual activity history and possible sources of infection
• Write down any other conditions you trying and take a list of drug names and / or supplements that you are taking.
• The doctor will likely make a series of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time in the query to answer your questions and talk about some points with profundity. The doctor may ask:

• What are your symptoms, if any?
• When did you start to experience symptoms?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Do you practice safe sex? You've done it since becoming sexually active?
• You recently had sex with a new partner (a)?
• Your / suaparceiro (a) been tested for sexually transmitted diseases?
• Have you made the HPV vaccine? When?
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant?

Genital Warts Diagnosis It is often difficult to detect genital warts. Therefore, your doctor may apply a mild solution acetic acid to your genitals, which will lighten any mole that is growing there. Then the physician can view them by means of a special tool increases a colposcopy. Other tests may be done, such as: Pap For women, it is important to get regular Pap test, which can help detect vaginal changes and cervical caused by genital warts or early signs of cervical cancer - a possible complication of genital HPV infection. For a Pap test, the doctor will use a device called a speculum to hold open your vagina. He or she will then use a long-handled tool to collect a small sample of cervical cells - the passage between your vagina and your uterus. The cells are examined under a microscope to detect anomalies. HPV Test Only certain types of genital HPV have been linked to cervical cancer. A sample of cervical cells collected for a Pap test, it can be tested for these strains of HPV cause cancer. This test is usually reserved for women with 30 years or more. It is not so useful for younger women, since their immune systems are capable of killing these cells that cause genital HPV cancer without treatment in most cases. What to ask the doctor? After receiving the diagnosis, you may want to take some questions with the doctor. Creating your list in advance you makes the most of the consultation time. For genital warts, some basic questions include:

• What are the possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do you recommend?
• I must also be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases?
• What kind of treatment do you recommend?
• How soon after starting treatment I will start to feel better?
• I'm contagious (a)? How can I reduce the risk of transmission of infection to others?
• You must ask for (a) partner (a) take a test too?
• When can I have sex safely again?
• Genital warts can come back?
• Am I at risk of complications associated with genital warts?
• Are there any books or other printed material that I can take home with me?
• What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time if you do not understand something.  Treatment and care Genital Wart Treatment If your warts are not causing discomfort, you may not need treatment. But if your symptoms include itching, burning and pain, or if visible warts are causing emotional distress, your doctor can help by prescribing medication or surgery. However, the lesions tend to return after treatment. Medicines Treatments for genital warts which can be applied directly to the skin include: Imiquimod cream dermatological:

• Podophyllin and podofilox, skin creams both the base of the sap of plants. The first can only be applied by your doctor's office or hospital
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), chemical treatment to burn genital warts
• Do not try to treat genital warts with nonprescription medicines or wart removers. These medications are not intended for use in moist tissues of the genital area, at the risk of causing pain and irritation.

Surgery You may need surgery to remove larger warts, warts that do not respond to medication or - if you are pregnant - warts that can come into contact with the baby during delivery. Surgical options include:

• Laser treatments.
• Cryotherapy
• Electrocautery