What are the different types of genital warts. How are genital warts diagnosed and treated. Can genital warts lead to cancer. What are the impacts of genital warts during pregnancy.

Understanding Genital Warts: Causes and Characteristics

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts typically appear as skin-colored growths in or around the genital and anal areas. While there are over 100 different strains of HPV, genital warts are primarily caused by types 6 and 11.

What do genital warts look like? Genital warts often appear as soft, moist growths that tend to form in clusters of three to four. However, the presentation can vary significantly between individuals. Some may develop only one or two warts, while others might experience a large number of individual growths. When left untreated, these warts can grow and form small, flesh-colored, cauliflower-shaped clusters.

Key Characteristics of Genital Warts

• Typically painless
• Appear in clusters
• Highly contagious
• Usually grow for about 6 months before stabilizing

Genital Warts in Women: Location and Symptoms

How do genital warts manifest in women? In women, genital warts can appear in various locations, including:

• In or around the vagina
• On the vulva
• Near the cervix
• Around the anus

It’s important to note that genital warts in women are often too small to be noticed without a medical examination. While warts inside the vagina or anus can cause discomfort, they may also be asymptomatic.

Genital Warts in Men: Common Locations and Characteristics

How do genital warts present in men? Although less common than in women, genital warts in men typically appear:

• On the tip of the penis
• Around the anus (especially if transmitted during anal sex)
• On the shaft of the penis, often just below the foreskin

When do genital warts typically appear after infection? In most cases, genital warts will become visible between one to three months after initial infection. However, this timeline can vary, and some individuals may not develop visible warts at all.

Diagnosing Genital Warts: Methods and Considerations

How are genital warts diagnosed? The diagnosis of genital warts is primarily based on visual examination. A healthcare provider will examine any suspicious lumps or bumps in the genital area. For women, a speculum examination may be necessary to check for warts on the cervix or inside the vagina.

What should you do if you suspect you have genital warts? If you notice any unusual growths or have concerns about potential genital warts, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment and helps prevent transmission to sexual partners.

Diagnostic Procedures

1. Visual examination of external genitalia
2. Speculum examination for internal warts in women
3. Biopsy in rare cases where diagnosis is uncertain

Treatment Options for Different Types of Genital Warts

What treatments are available for genital warts? The treatment approach for genital warts depends on several factors, including the size, location, and number of warts. Generally, smaller warts and those growing on moist skin tend to respond better to treatment.

Topical Treatments

Several topical medications are available for treating genital warts:

• Condyline
• Warticon
• Aldara

These creams can be effective for many types of genital warts, especially smaller ones.

Advanced Treatment Options

For larger warts, extensive clusters, or cases resistant to topical treatments, more advanced options may be necessary:

• Surgical removal
• Cryosurgery (freezing warts with liquid nitrogen)
• Laser treatment

What factors influence the choice of treatment? The selection of treatment depends on the specific characteristics of the warts, their location, and the patient’s overall health. A healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual circumstances.

Genital Warts and Cancer: Understanding the Link

Can genital warts lead to cancer? It’s crucial to understand that the types of HPV causing genital warts (primarily types 6 and 11) are different from the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. Genital warts themselves do not turn into cancer.

However, it’s important to note that some individuals may be infected with multiple HPV strains, including both those causing warts and those associated with cancer risk. Therefore, regular cervical cancer screenings remain essential for all women, regardless of whether they have a history of genital warts.

Key Points About HPV and Cancer Risk

• Low-risk HPV types cause genital warts
• High-risk HPV types are associated with certain cancers
• Regular cervical cancer screenings are crucial for all women

Genital Warts During Pregnancy: Risks and Management

How do genital warts affect pregnancy? Genital warts can pose challenges during pregnancy, particularly if they become large. The primary concerns include:

• Potential complications during childbirth
• Increased risk of HPV transmission to the newborn

What should pregnant women with genital warts do? If you’re pregnant and suspect you have genital warts, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider or midwife promptly. They can assess the situation and recommend appropriate management strategies.

Management Options During Pregnancy

1. Careful monitoring of wart growth
2. Safe treatment options if necessary
3. Consideration of cesarean delivery in severe cases

It’s important to note that not all treatments for genital warts are safe during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will consider the risks and benefits of various options to ensure the best outcome for both mother and baby.

Prevention and Long-term Management of Genital Warts

How can genital warts be prevented? Prevention of genital warts primarily involves strategies to reduce the risk of HPV transmission:

• Safe sex practices, including consistent condom use
• HPV vaccination
• Regular sexual health check-ups

What is the long-term outlook for individuals with genital warts? While genital warts can be effectively treated, it’s important to understand that the underlying HPV infection may persist. This means that warts can recur even after successful treatment.

Long-term Management Strategies

1. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers
2. Prompt treatment of any recurrent warts
3. Maintaining a healthy immune system through lifestyle choices
4. Open communication with sexual partners about HPV status

By implementing these strategies, individuals can effectively manage genital warts and minimize their impact on overall health and quality of life.

Psychological Impact and Support for Individuals with Genital Warts

How do genital warts affect mental health? The diagnosis and management of genital warts can have significant psychological impacts on affected individuals. Common emotional responses may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Feelings of shame or embarrassment
• Concerns about future relationships

What support is available for those dealing with genital warts? It’s crucial for individuals with genital warts to have access to comprehensive support systems:

Support Resources

1. Counseling services
2. Support groups for individuals with STIs
3. Educational resources about HPV and genital warts
4. Open communication with healthcare providers

Healthcare providers should address both the physical and emotional aspects of genital warts, ensuring patients have access to necessary resources and support throughout their treatment journey.

Advances in Genital Warts Research and Future Treatments

What new developments are occurring in genital warts research? The field of genital warts treatment and prevention is constantly evolving. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of more effective topical treatments
• Exploration of immunotherapy approaches
• Improvements in HPV vaccination strategies
• Investigation of natural compounds with anti-HPV properties

How might future treatments improve outcomes for those with genital warts? Future advancements may lead to more efficient treatments with fewer side effects, improved methods for preventing HPV transmission, and potentially even therapies that can eliminate the underlying HPV infection.

Potential Future Developments

1. Targeted therapies for specific HPV strains
2. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques
3. Combination therapies for enhanced efficacy
4. Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic factors

While current treatments for genital warts are generally effective, ongoing research promises to further improve outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

The Different Types Of Genital Warts

Which different types of warts are there?

Contents

There are different types of genital warts. Which treatment you require depends on the size and type of warts you have.

All of these different types are caused by the same virus – the HPV virus – and are also known as “condyloma” or “penile/venereal warts”.

They look like skin-colored growths located in or around the genital and anal areas.

Most types of genital warts are painless and tend to appear in clusters. If you suffer from such warts you should get treated before having sex again as they are highly contagious.

Different types of warts and their treatment

Genital warts are usually soft and moist and tend to appear in “groups” of three to four. Note however, that this differs between patients and that some people will only have one or two warts while others may develop a large number of individual growths.

When the warts go unnoticed, they can grow and form small cauliflower-shaped clusters that are flesh-coloured.

HPV and types of warts

There are more than a hundred different strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), only a couple of which are responsible for most types of genital warts (as well as anal warts). The majority of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. These warts will usually grow for 6 months after which they tend to stop growing. Other strains of HPV can cause warts on your feet or hands, which are less contagious than genital warts. A few strains of HPV are classified as high-risk, as they can lead to specific cancers.

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Itchy or bleeding sores?

You might read that genital warts can cause “mild pain” and that they may feel itchy or bleed. In fact, this only happens in rare cases, when warts reach a considerable size and/or if you scratch them off. If you think you have a wart, avoid any scratching (to avoid bleeding), and consult your doctor instead.

Genital warts in women

The different forms of genital warts that affect women can appear in or around the vagina, vulva, anus or near the neck of the womb. Often, the warts are too small for you to see or notice. Warts inside the vagina or anus can cause discomfort but they also may not cause any symptoms at all.

Genital warts in men

In men, genital warts are not as common as in women. They often appear on the tip of the penis but they can also appear around the anus, especially when the virus is transmitted during anal sex. Most types of warts will appear between one to three months after infection.

If you think you are infected you should get examined to avoid complications and to prevent that you transmit the infection to future partners. In about half of all cases, genital warts appear on the shaft of the penis, usually just below the foreskin.

Different types, different treatments

Some types of genital warts – usually the smaller ones – are easier to treat than others. Similarly, warts growing on moist skin tend to respond better to treatment than those located on dry skin. Most types of warts can be treated with creams such as Condyline, Warticon, and Aldara.

But if the warts are very large, if you have a lot of them, or if they’re not getting better with these creams, you might need to see a dermatologist and think about other treatment options. These could include surgically removing them, using cryosurgery (freezing off the warts with liquid nitrogen) or laser treatment.

You can request the following treatment options from ZAVA:

• Warticon, from £34.99
• Condyline, from £34.99
• Aldara, from £74.99

Diagnosing genital warts

Genital warts are usually diagnosed based on how they look. A doctor can examine you to look at any lumps or bumps you’re worried about. Since warts can grow on the cervix or in the vagina, a doctor can have a look at these using a tool called a speculum.

If you’re worried that you might have symptoms of genital warts, it’s important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start treatment.

About warts and cancer

The types of HPV that cause warts are not the same types that cause cancer. The high-risk types of HPV which are linked with cervical cancer do not cause warts. This means that if you have genital warts, these will not turn into cancer.

It’s important for all women to keep up to date with their regular smear tests. The NHS screening programme invites all women between the ages of 25 to 64 for regular smear tests. You can check with your GP if you’re not sure when your next one should be.

Genital warts and pregnancy

Genital warts in pregnant women can cause problems during birth if they become very large. If you think you have genital warts, and you’re pregnant, you should speak to your GP or midwife.

Not all types of wart treatment are safe to use in pregnancy, so it’s important to speak to a doctor about what treatment you should use.

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Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & More

Genital warts can develop with a low risk HPV infection. Treatment can include topical prescription treatments and medical procedures to remove warts.

Genital warts are soft growths that appear on the genitals. They can cause pain, discomfort, and itching.

They are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by low risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These strains, HPV 6 and HPV 11, are different from the high risk strains that can lead to cervical dysplasia and cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is the most common of all STIs. Everyone who is sexually active is vulnerable to complications of HPV, including genital warts.

HPV infection is especially dangerous for people with vulvas because high risk strains can also cause cancer of the cervix and vulva.

Treatment is key in managing this infection.

Genital warts are transmitted through sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. You may not start to develop warts for several weeks or months after infection.

Genital warts aren’t always visible to the human eye. They may be very small and the color of the skin or slightly darker. The top of the growths may resemble a cauliflower and may feel smooth or slightly bumpy to the touch.

They may occur as a cluster of warts, or just one wart.

For people assigned male at birth, genital warts may appear in the following areas:

• penis
• scrotum
• groin
• thighs
• inside or around the anus

For people assigned female at birth, these warts may appear:

• inside of the vagina or anus
• outside of the vagina or anus
• on the cervix

Genital warts may also appear on the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with a person who has HPV.

Even if you can’t see genital warts, they may still cause symptoms, such as:

• vaginal discharge
• itching
• bleeding
• burning

If genital warts spread or become enlarged, the condition can be uncomfortable or even painful.

About 90 percent of genital warts are caused by the low risk HPV types 6 and 11, according to the National Cancer Institute.

• There are 30 to 40 strains of HPV that specifically affect the genitals, but just a few of these strains cause genital warts.
• The HPV virus is highly transmittable through skin-to-skin contact, which is why it’s considered an STI.
• In fact, HPV is so common that the CDC says most sexually active people get it at some point.
• However, the virus doesn’t always lead to complications such as genital warts. In fact, in most cases, the virus goes away on its own without causing any health problems.
• Genital warts are usually caused by strains of HPV that differ from the strains that cause warts on your hands or other parts of the body.

To diagnose this condition, your doctor will do the following:

• Ask questions about your health and sexual history. This includes symptoms you’ve experienced and whether you’ve had sex, including oral sex, without condoms or oral dams.
• Perform a physical examination of any areas where you suspect warts may be occurring. Your doctor may be able to diagnose genital warts just by viewing them.

Your doctor may apply a mild acidic solution, called an acetowhite test, to your skin to help make genital warts more visible. It may cause a slight burning sensation.

If you have a vulva, your doctor may also need to perform a pelvic examination, because genital warts can occur deep inside your body.

While visible genital warts often go away with time, HPV itself can linger in your skin cells. This means you may have several outbreaks over the course of your life.

So managing symptoms is important because you want to avoid transmitting the virus to others. That said, genital warts can be passed on to others even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms.

You may wish to treat genital warts to relieve painful symptoms or to minimize their appearance. However, you can’t treat genital warts with over-the-counter (OTC) wart removers or treatments.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe topical wart treatments that might include:

• imiquimod (Aldara)
• podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox)
• trichloroacetic acid, or TCA

If visible warts don’t go away with time, you may need minor surgery to remove them. Your doctor can also remove warts through these procedures:

• electrocautery, or burning warts with electric currents
• cryosurgery, or freezing warts
• laser treatments
• excision, or cutting off warts
• injections of the drug interferon

Don’t use OTC treatments meant for hand warts on genital warts.

Hand and genital warts are caused by different strains of HPV. Treatments designed for other areas of the body are often much stronger than treatments used on the genitals.

Using the wrong treatments may do more harm than good.

Some home remedies are touted as helpful in treating genital warts, but there is little evidence to support them. Always check with your doctor before trying a home remedy.

Any sexually active person is at risk of getting HPV. However, genital warts are more common for people who:

• have multiple sexual partners
• have weakened immune systems
• are under the age of 30
• smoke

Genital warts are a low risk strain of HPV infection.

High risk strains such as HPV 16 and HPV 18 are implicated in a majority of cervical cancers. They can also lead to precancerous changes to the cells of the cervix, which is called dysplasia.

Other types of HPV may also cause cancer of the vulva. They can also cause:

• penile cancer
• anal cancer
• throat cancer
• esophageal cancer

To help prevent genital warts, HPV vaccines, condoms, and other barrier methods are available:

• Gardasil and Gardasil 9 can protect people of all genders from the most common HPV strains that cause genital warts, and can also protect against strains of HPV that are linked to cervical cancer.
• People from ages 9 to 45 can receive these vaccines. They’re administered in a series of two or three shots, depending on age. Both types of vaccine should be given before the person becomes sexually active, as they’re most effective before a person is exposed to HPV.
• Using a condom or a dental dam every time you have sex can also lower your risk of contracting genital warts. The important thing is to use a physical barrier to prevent transmission.

If you think you have genital warts, talk with your doctor. They can determine if you have warts and what your best treatment options are.

In addition, it’s important to talk with your sexual partner. This may sound difficult, but being open about your condition can help you protect your partner from also getting an HPV infection and genital warts.

Genital warts are a complication of a low risk HPV infection that’s common and treatable. They can disappear over time, but treatment is essential in preventing their return and possible complications.

Genital warts – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Condylomas or anogenital warts are a manifestation of the human papillomavirus on the skin and mucous membranes in the form of small growths of flesh-pink color. Usually, condylomas occur around the anus, on the genitals, pubis, inner thighs, on the mucous membranes of the urethra, vagina, and cervix. Their appearance is caused by the activity of HPV when the body’s defenses are weakened.

If you find something similar in yourself, then immediately contact a dermatovenereologist for diagnosis and treatment. He will accurately determine the cause of the onset of the disease and the features of its course, prescribe the optimal treatment and give his recommendations for prevention.

ON CLINIC employs world-class dermatovenereologists who use the most modern methods of diagnosis and treatment. Within the walls of our clinic, you can undergo all the necessary examinations and, if necessary, get advice from any specialists.

Causes of genital warts

As we wrote above, papillomavirus is the cause of genital warts. Infection mainly occurs sexually with any type of sexual intercourse: vaginal, anal, oral. Unfortunately, even condoms do not save from infection, since HPV is so small that it can penetrate through the pores of the material. Moreover, the virus can be localized in other areas of the skin that are not protected by a condom.

In addition, papillomavirus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. It is quite likely to transmit through common items such as towels and toothbrushes, as well as in public places: baths, saunas, fitness clubs if hygiene rules are not followed.

Symptoms of infection do not appear immediately – the incubation period ranges from 2-3 weeks to several years.

There are several factors that increase the risk of genital warts:

• unprotected sexual intercourse;
• frequent change of partners;
• reduced immunity due to other diseases;
• malnutrition and lack of vitamins;
• chronic stress and increased workload;
• presence of other STDs;
• non-compliance with the rules of public and personal hygiene;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pregnancy;
• mechanical trauma to the mucous membrane;
• taking glucocorticosteroids;
• HIV infection;
• violation of the microflora of the vagina.

Symptoms of genital warts

During the incubation period, HPV is asymptomatic. And even the appearance of single condylomas may not bother you at all. But as soon as immunity decreases, multiple growths can begin, which are manifested by the following symptoms:

• growths in the anogenital area;
• itching and burning sensation in this area, especially on contact with linen;
• bad smell;
• pain during intercourse;
• sensation of a foreign body inside with internal localization.

Contact your doctor immediately after the onset of HPV symptoms – he will prescribe the necessary treatment and give recommendations to prevent the development of the disease.

Do not self-medicate if you have genital warts. A cosmetic defect is the least of the problems that can arise with this disease. You should trust experienced specialists, undergo a full examination and undergo the recommended course of treatment.

Bratilova A.V., dermatovenereologist, trichologist, cosmetologist.

Removal of viral warts by radio wave device “Surgitron” in ON CLINIC.

Diagnosis of genital warts

It is not at all difficult for a dermatovenereologist to establish a diagnosis – it is enough to conduct a visual examination, since genital warts have characteristic features. If necessary, the doctor can conduct a test with acetic acid and use the dermatoscopy method.

A sample with acetic acid – lubrication of the mucous membranes with a weak solution of acetic acid to identify pathological areas.

Dermoscopy is a visual method for diagnosing skin formations using a dermatoscope and a computer.

Additional diagnostics for suspected genital warts is carried out in order to clarify the HPV genotype and exclude similar formations. This:

• HPV testing by PCR to determine the amount of the virus and its type;
• ureteroscopy – examination of the condition of the urethral mucosa using special endourethral endoscopes;
• extended colposcopy – examination of the cervix using a colposcope and performing a test with acetic acid and a Schiller test;
• sigmoidoscopy – an endoscopic research method for diagnosing the condition of the mucous membrane of the rectum and part of the sigmoid colon;
• anoscopy – an examination of the rectum, which is performed using a special device – an anoscope;
• immunogram – study of the state of the immune system;
• tests for STDs, HIV, syphilis.

Types of genital warts

Condylomas are divided into several forms:

• endophytic – growing inside tissues;
• exophytic – growing outside;
• Buschke-Levenshtein’s giant warts is a large focus of overgrown warts.

They are also divided into types: pointed, flat, wide.

According to the place of localization, they can be divided into anal, genital and anogenital.

Treatment of genital warts

After the studies and confirmation of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a treatment aimed at strengthening the immune system and removing genital warts. Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to completely cure the disease – as soon as general and local immunity decreases, it can return. But you can achieve a deep remission and a good cosmetic effect, if you follow all the doctor’s prescriptions.

The disease can develop in different ways:

• symptoms disappear spontaneously – this often happens during pregnancy;
• the development process stabilizes in one place;
• will begin active growth.

Depending on the development scenario, the treatment paths may also differ.

Conservative treatments for genital warts

Conservative treatments for genital warts are aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence of the disease and achieving the longest possible remission.

Immunotherapy – to maintain the body’s defenses.

Local treatment with a special drug that causes the cessation of the division of affected cells and necrosis of genital warts.

Interferon treatment – local or systemic.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, rational nutrition, hardening and sports.

Surgical treatment of genital warts

ON CLINIC uses the following methods, which have already proven their effectiveness:

• radio wave removal with the help of the Surgitron, Radiosurge devices – removal of genital warts is performed by evaporating tissues with a narrowly focused radio wave beam, due to which healing occurs quickly and without scars. The method is non-contact and painless. Efficiency 90-95%;

• laser removal of small condylomas using the Deka apparatus – laser beams coagulate (solder) the underlying vessels that feed the base of the warts, as a result of which healthy tissues remain intact. Efficiency 50-70%;

• electrocoagulation – removal occurs by cauterization of the formation with an electric current. It is performed under local anesthesia, as it is quite painful. Efficiency up to 95%;

• cryodestruction – removal with liquid nitrogen. Painless and inexpensive method. Efficiency 78-90%.

It is important to remember that surgical methods are aimed only at solving aesthetic problems, and not at treating the cause of the disease. The decision on the choice of a suitable method is made by the doctor based on the examinations and anamnesis.

Benefits of treating genital warts at ON CLINIC

ON CLINIC has its own modern laboratory complex, which allows thousands of diagnostic tests to be carried out. This means that the diagnosis will be made quickly and accurately, and the treatment of genital warts will begin on time.

Every detail is important for us in our work, from the comfort of the patient who came to us for help to the result of the treatment.

We employ caring nurses and qualified doctors, so we occupy a worthy position among the strongest medical institutions in Moscow.

We guarantee complete anonymity and safety for each patient.

You don’t have to wait in queues – reception is by appointment only.

Prevention of genital warts

In order to avoid HPV infection, it is recommended:

• avoid unprotected sex;
• have sex only with trusted partners;
• maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Vaccination brings the greatest efficiency – its effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous studies and is at least 97.9%. The entire course consists of 3 consecutive injections. As a result, strong immunity against viruses of high carcinogenic risk is developed. Vaccination is well tolerated by patients, and side effects during the administration of the vaccine are minimal.

Q&A

Is there any other treatment needed after warts are removed?

Of course, because the removal of genital warts does not cure the human papillomavirus, but only eliminates a cosmetic defect.

Should men be vaccinated against HPV?

Yes, men are recommended to be vaccinated too.

Can genital warts lead to cancer?

In rare cases, warts can pose a cancer risk.

Genital perianal warts – treatment in Moscow

Genital warts – a viral disease of the skin and mucous membranes, most often affecting the genital area, genitourinary tract, perineum and anus, but they can sometimes be found in the mouth, and manifests itself in the form of the formation of single or multiple, often merging, growths such as “cauliflower ”, the number of which can reach several hundred.

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. To date, about 100 serological types of human papillomavirus have been established, and different types of human papillomavirus cause different, but at the same time, specific diseases for this type of virus – moles, warts, papillomas, areas of increased keratinization (hyperkeratosis), small ulcers of mucous membranes. (erosion). Genital warts are caused only by human papillomavirus serotypes 6 and 11; this type of virus does not cause other diseases.

The human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts, is a low oncogenicity virus, that is, it practically does not become malignant. But the risk of developing cancer is still not excluded: with the so-called genital warts of Bushke-Levenshtein – giant condylomatous growths that have existed for more than a few years.

Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact, the contact-household transmission route is not excluded – through personal hygiene items. However, contact with a patient with genital warts does not always lead to infection – infection occurs in about 30-70% of cases. As contact time increases, the risk of infection increases. The predisposing moments for infection, the “entrance gates” of the virus into the body are microtraumas of the skin and mucous membranes at the point of contact, against the background of reduced immunity. The human papillomavirus does not lead to the formation of stable immunity, that is, the risk of re-infection always remains. The virus is found not only on the skin and mucosal secretions, but can also be found in semen, urine and saliva.

The risk group for infection with genital warts is not limited to those who lead a “peculiar” way of sexual activity, it can include almost all people who are sexually active. Using a condom to prevent infection does not play any role – the pores in the latex are much larger than the size of the virus. The appearance of genital warts in the anus is not always associated with anal sexual intercourse – the human papillomavirus, multiplying in the skin, can capture other areas – the perineum, groin, including the skin around the anus.

The manifestation of the virus is closely related to the state of immunity. Once in the body, the virus is localized in the deep layers of skin cells, where, under the control of the immune system, it can be in a “sleeping” period for a long time and not manifest itself for the time being. This is a feature of this infection – the so-called incubation period can range from several weeks to several years. After infection, the virus remains in the skin and mucous membranes; it does not enter other organs and blood. When immunity is weakened, the cells of the skin and mucosa, with the virus that has begun to multiply in them, as the cells mature, gradually move to the surface, where they begin to form skin formations characteristic of a viral lesion. From this moment – from the moment of skin manifestations, the virus can enter the environment, and the patient becomes contagious to the surrounding “contactees”.

The course of the disease depends on the “relationship” of the virus and the immune system. If warts are not treated, then over time the number and area of ​​​​rashes only increase, there is a risk of infection of the sexual partner. In advanced cases, warts can occupy the entire anal area and even move to neighboring ones. In rare cases, condylomas spontaneously disappear, which, however, does not always mean the complete disappearance of the virus from the body. Weakening of immunity for various reasons can provoke a repeated outbreak of latent papillomavirus infection and recurrence of genital warts.

The fact of the appearance of warts often does not go unnoticed by the patient, many come with an almost ready-made diagnosis – warts begin:

• grope;
• interfere with anal hygiene;
• lead to anal itching;
• injure, ulcerate and bleed;
• cause any other (psychological, cosmetic, sexual) discomfort.

To diagnose genital warts, a simple examination by a specialist in the anus area is sufficient. For clarification, the doctor may prescribe sigmoidoscopy and laboratory tests. It is also desirable to be examined for sexual partners, since there is a possibility of their infection. At the same time, other diseases of the skin of the anus can simulate genital warts – from clogged sebaceous glands (atheromas) of the perianal region to squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

Treatment of genital warts includes three mandatory components:

• removal of visible manifestations of viral activity (warts) with the virus localized in them, surrounding and underlying areas of the skin:
1. physical (scalpel, cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen, laser, electrocoagulation, radio wave surgery, etc.),
2. chemical,
3. immunological (injections).
• immunotherapy;
• antiviral treatment.

Unfortunately, there is currently no guaranteed method of lifelong cure for genital warts. In our work, we use only the most reliable, proven and effective methods of treating genital warts, which allow us to achieve the best results in the treatment of this disease with minimal discomfort.