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Some half a million new cases of genital warts are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Technically known as condylomaacuminata, genital warts are small growths, sometimes resembling cauliflower, that occur on or near the genitals. Like other warts, the genital variety is caused by by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Worldwide, HPV is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD).
The wart itself is actually the “tip of an iceberg” in that the virus lurks in cells of the normal-appearing skin around the visible wart, and possibly also in other uro-genital areas.
The viral nature of the condition also has important implications for transmission and treatment. Many if not most people who harbor the virus do not know it. The virus may infect cells but not cause warts for many years, erupting into visible lesions when the immune system is suppressed.
Because of a wart’s location and sexual mode of transmission, it may cause emotional and social problems. Genital warts can inflict extreme psychological turmoil, and those who have them often feel embarrassed, angry, and even guilty.
Concern about genital warts has increased because of an association between HPV and genital cancers. Anyone who has ever had sex is at risk for harboring HPV. The virus seems to cause visible lesions when a person’s immune system is suppressed, but many flare up even without an obvious trigger. This may occur because of illness (particularly other sexually transmitted diseases), or from taking certain drugs, such as cancer chemotherapy or drugs to prevent rejection of an organ transplant. Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin A also may trigger genital warts. Smoking raises risk twofold, partly because nicotine byproducts attack immune system cells in the cervix.
Causes
Genital warts are spread by sexual contact with an infected partner and are very contagious. They often appear within three months of contact. Condoms can help, but do not assure, prevention.
Although much remains to be learned about how the papilloma virus progresses, doctors have observed that the warm, moist environment in the genital area seems to favor wart growth. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during pregnancy and in patients with defective immune systems.
Patients with a history of genital warts may be at increased risk for certain types of cancer. The human papilloma virus is associated with up to 90 percent of all cervical malignancies and is also thought may play a role in cancers of the vagina, anus, vulva and penis.Cervical warts may be transmitted to the newborn via passage through the infected birth canal.
Treatment
People with genital warts have a variety of treatments to choose from, but none is a perfect cure. The treatments vary widely in cost. Genital wart treatments fall into three categories: prescription topical preparations that destroy wart tissue; surgical methods that remove wart tissue; and biological-based approaches that target the virus causing the underlying condition. Each treatment must be applied to individual warts - none is taken systematically.
Home remedies and naturopathic/homeopathic treatments don't work! Talk to all sex partner(s) who may have been exposed. Encourage them to get tested. Both partners need to be treated to avoid reinfection. Avoid vaginal, anal and oral sex until your physician says it's okay so you don't get reinfected, or spread the disease to others. Typically this is during your treatment and for seven days following antibiotic therapy – your physician will advise you accordingly. Follow your treatment plan and finish all medications, even if you feel well. Follow up exams can make sure treatment was effective.
