"Genital Warts" are among the most common and rapidly increasing sexually transmitted diseases today. They occur as a result of the transmission of the HPV virus, forming warts either individually or in groups. More than half of the population encounters genital wart viruses at some point in their lives.
The high-risk types of the HPV virus, of which there are more than 200, can lead to cervical and vaginal cancer in women and penile cancer in men if left untreated. It is known that the HPV virus also leads to anal cancer and oropharyngeal cancers in both women and men.
Genital wart symptoms can be observed in women on the vaginal wall, external genital areas, anus, anal canal, and cervix. In men, they can appear on the penis, scrotum, and anus. They are seen as singular or grouped warts resembling cauliflower.
When warts in the genital area are noticed, they should be treated. Genital warts are transmitted through skin contact, with very rare cases reported of non-sexual transmission. The primary mode of transmission is through sexual contact.
After the transmission of the Genital Wart virus (HPV),wart formation typically begins 2-6 months later. The resulting warts are generally painless, but itching, burning, and bleeding due to friction may occur.
Genital warts are a contagious disease characterized by the formation of warts in the vagina and surrounding areas in women, and on the penis, scrotum (testicle sac),and surrounding tissues in men. Skin contact is a significant factor in transmission. This disease can be transmitted from an individual with active lesions (warts) to a non-infected person, regardless of whether the affected person is male or female.
While transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact, other rare modes of transmission have also been reported. Patients are not contagious after the treatment of genital warts as long as there are no active lesions.
The highest-risk groups are Types 16, 18, 31, and 45. High-risk groups include Types 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, and 82. Others are considered intermediate and low risk.
Factors that increase the spread of HPV include a weakened immune system, the use of immune-suppressing (steroid) medications, trauma, sleep deprivation, fatigue (conditions that lower immune resistance),smoking, and folate deficiency.
There are various methods available for the treatment of genital warts. Medication can be used, and surgical, laser, cryotherapy, and other methods may also be employed. Along with treatment, measures to boost the immune system should be taken. When treating HPV, it is essential to examine and treat the patient's partner as well.
Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine is preventive, not therapeutic. Vaccination is carried out for the highest-risk types of HPV. If there has been no prior exposure to HPV, the vaccine provides high protection. The vaccine can be administered to young girls and boys aged 9-16.
If an individual has never had any sexual experience, the vaccine can also be administered at a later age. It is given to sexually active individuals, but its effectiveness is lower. The vaccine is administered in three doses, following a schedule of 0, 2, and 6 months.
Genital warts can be contagious if they are present as active lesions in either men or women. However, by treating and removing active lesions, contagion can be prevented.
It is important to remember that in the absence of active lesions, the virus can remain latent but may re-emerge due to a decrease in body resistance, the use of immunosuppressive medications, stress, or other factors that weaken the immune system.
The virus can then present itself again as active lesions in the same or different areas. Therefore, after treatment, it is necessary to provide patients with supportive therapies to boost their immune system.
Genital warts will not go away on their own, and if left untreated, they tend to grow and spread. This can increase the duration and extent of the treatment required. Genital warts should be treated as soon as they are noticed, in order to prevent contagion, inhibit growth and spread, and avoid potential other problems.
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Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
PROF. DR. SEZAI AYDIN
