Genital Warts

Definition:
Genital warts are small growths or lumps that appear on the genital or anal areas caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Causes:

• Infection with HPV, primarily types 6 and 11

• Transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex)

Symptoms:

• Small, flesh-colored or grayish bumps in the genital area

• Can be raised or flat, single or multiple

• Sometimes itchy, uncomfortable, or may cause mild bleeding

• Often painless

Risk Factors:

• Multiple sexual partners

• Unprotected sex

• Weakened immune system

• Having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Diagnosis:

• Visual examination by a healthcare professional

• Sometimes a biopsy if diagnosis is uncertain

• HPV testing may be done in some cases

Treatment:

• Topical medications (e.g., imiquimod, podophyllin)

• Cryotherapy (freezing off warts)

• Electrocautery (burning warts)

• Surgical removal

• Laser therapy

• No cure for HPV itself, but treatments remove warts

Prevention:

• HPV vaccination

• Use of condoms to reduce risk

• Limiting number of sexual partners

• Regular sexual health check-ups

Prognosis:

• Warts may recur after treatment

• HPV infection can clear on its own in some cases

• Regular monitoring is important

• Untreated warts can spread or grow larger