Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) of which over 100 different types have been identified. At least thirty subtypes are sexually transmitted, with type 6 and 11 being the most common types to cause genital warts. This sexually transmitted infection is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital or anal sex with an infected partner. The virus is highly infectious and is one of the most common recognised sexual health symptoms of the HPV infection.
According to Medical News TODAY, Genital Warts Cost NHS £17 Million Annually, UK.
Symptoms
- Fleshy growths in the genital area
- Usually painless
- Sometimes itchy
- Can be single or multiple
Diagnosis
- Visual examination
- Swab test for HPV can identify the 20 most common low and high risk HPV types
Treatment
- Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen: this destroys the warts and usually gives the quickest cosmetic result. However it doesn’t necessarily get rid of the virus and lesions can reoccur. It also usually requires several treatments over a few weeks.
- Podophillin toxin: this is supplied in a cream or solution that is applied to the warts. It works by killing the wart cells and by preventing the cells from multiplying. Again this doesn’t kill HPV and warts can recur. The benefit is that it can be done at home.
- Imiquimod: this is a new and very successful treatment that requires application of a cream to the affected area. It then alerts the immune system to the infection and your body attacks the virus from within. For this reason it is more effective than the other options in clearing the infection.
Prevention
Condoms have been shown to give partial protection against HPV infection and genital warts, and may also have a therapeutic effect when both partners are infected, possibly by preventing continued re-exposure to the virus. In addition, condoms protect your sexual health and prevent a variety of sexually transmitted infections.