HPV Genital Warts – Treatment & Symptoms

HPV-Genital warts

Warts are benign diseases that involve the genitourinary area of a woman or a man.

Genital Warts Syptoms

These are exophytic lesions, that is, lesions of the skin protruding into the genitourinary area. They occur mainly in the vulva, the vagina, the cervix, the perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus), the anus, while in men they occur in the penis, scrotum and perianal area. They are lesions in the color of the skin that do not hurt during palpation and can go unnoticed. Very often the diagnosis is made during routine gynecological examination. The size varies and can be from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Likewise their number and location. They may be present at the same time in the vulva, vagina, cervix and anus, or exist only in one place of them.

Genital Wart Transmission

It is a sexually transmitted disease that affects young people the most. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual intercourse, although in theory skin-to-skin contact may be enough. The only possible precaution is to use a condom without providing 100% protection. Acute warts, as they are scientifically called, are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV, Human Papilloma Virus). The incubation period of the virus after exposure varies from three weeks up to eight months, with most infections being transient and the body self-healing in the next two years. In general, the human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted disease. The peak frequency occurs between the ages of 15 and 25 in most Western societies. It is estimated that at least 50% of sexually active women and men have been exposed to HPV in their lifetime. In addition, experts believe that practically all adults have or will have been infected at some point in their lives, because most infections are transient without being detected at the time of screening. In addition, over 40 different strains of HPV viruses have been isolated which can colonize the genitourinary region. Most HPV infections, including carcinogenic subtypes, resolve within 6 to 12 months. Subtypes HPV6 and HPV11 are responsible for 90% of warts, while subtypes HPV16 and HPV18 are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide. It is estimated that targeted protection against HPV through systemic vaccination at an early age will prevent about 50% of precancerous cervical lesions and 70% of invasive cervical cancers, as well as nearly 100% of warts.

Genital Wart Treatment

For the treatment of warts there are three approaches: chemical or electrical destruction of the lesion, immune therapy or surgical resection. The recommended treatment depends on the number and size of lesions and generally, relapses after treatment range from 30 to 70% after 6 months. However, spontaneous cure (i.e. without treatment) is also possible in 20 to 30% of cases.

Chemical treatment involves ointments and solutions that are placed topically on the lesion for the purpose of destroying it through a limited scorching surface. Such substances are podophylotoxin, podophylline, trichloro-acetic acid.

Still, there is the possibility of using imiquimod ointment, an immunomodulatory preparation that locally strengthens the immune system.
The mechanical method involves the destruction of the lesions with electrical diathermy or laser while we can also surgically remove the lesion extensively with a scalpel if it is large in size.

In any case, the treatment is individualized according to the extent of the lesions and the desire of the patient.