Also know as Condyloma, Venereal warts, Condylomata acuminate
Description Genital warts are a type of venereal diseases caused by human papilloma virus. This virus has many subtypes and some of them cause warts on skin and genital mucosa including anus. Cervical cancer of uterus is also related with infection with some specific subtypes.
Symptoms
Single or clustered flesh colored growings on the genitals or anal area
Tiny, flat, and soft mass in the beginning
Sometimes cauliflower-like looks when grown up
Usually no symptoms but it may cause itching, tenderness, abnormal vaginal bleeding in women
How the Diagnosis Is Made
Inspection(genital examination)
Biopsy
Colposcopy
Pap smear
Risk factors
Sex with infected partners
Multiple sexual parters or unknown sex parters
Smoking
Vitamin deficiency
Decreased immunity due to medications or medical conditions such as AIDS
Treatment
Application of caustic agents
Surgical excision
Ablation with laser
Cryotherapy
Alpha-Interferon injections
Complications
Bleeding
Secondary infection with bacteria or fungi
Obstruction with the birth canal when masses of warts become too large
Prognosis
Sometimes spontaneous healing may happen
Recurrence is common with treatment
Prevention
Avoid sexual contact with multiple parters or unknown persons
Using condom may offer some protection from transmission but not always cover against infection
