Symptoms of genital warts

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts are a skin infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) that is usually transmitted through sexual contact. Symptoms of genital warts may include:

Small, Flesh-Like Protrusions: Small, flesh-like protrusions or warts may appear in the genital area. These warts are usually pinkish, white, or flesh-colored.

Itching or Burning: There may be a slight itching or burning sensation in the area where genital warts are located.

Multiple Warts: Genital warts can often be more than one, and the warts may form a small cluster together.

Warts Outside the Genital Area: Genital warts can be seen not only in the genital area, but also in surrounding areas such as around the anus, inner thighs and perineum.

Foul-Smelling Discharge: Rarely, there may be a foul-smelling discharge in the area where genital warts are located.

Genital warts are usually painless, but they can cause physical discomfort. Symptoms can vary in different people, and in some people the symptoms may be mild, while in others they may be more pronounced.

What are the Treatment Methods for Genital Warts?

Treatment of genital warts varies depending on the size, number and location of the warts and the patient’s general health condition. Treatment methods for genital warts may include:

Topical Treatments: Creams or solutions used to treat genital warts can help them shrink and disappear. These treatments are usually applied according to the doctor’s advice.

Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment): It is the process of freezing and destroying warts using liquid nitrogen.

Electrocauterization: It is the process of burning warts using electric current.

Laser Treatment: It is the process of burning and destroying genital warts with laser.

Surgical Excision: It is the process of surgically cutting and removing large warts.

Treatment options may vary depending on the individual’s health history, the prevalence of warts, and other factors. Regular doctor check-up is important after treatment.

What are the Causes of Genital Warts?

The cause of genital warts is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact and can be passed from an infected person to a healthy person. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while other types may increase the risk of cancer. People with HPV infection usually do not show any symptoms and the infection can be contagious. Exposure to HPV, irregular sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and low immunity levels can increase the risk of genital warts.

How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed?

Genital warts are usually diagnosed through a physical examination by a doctor. The diagnostic process may include these steps:

Examination: The doctor diagnoses the presence of warts by observing the genital area. Warts can often be skin-colored or pinkish in color and appear as flesh-like bumps.

History Taking: The doctor takes a detailed history of the patient’s sexual history and symptoms. This is important to understand whether the infection is sexually transmitted.

HPV Test: In some cases, a sample may be taken and an HPV test performed to confirm the presence of HPV.

Biopsy: Rarely, wart-like lesions may be confused with other skin problems. In this case, the doctor may perform a biopsy, take a tissue sample and send it for laboratory examination.

Your doctor will determine the steps necessary to diagnose genital warts. An appropriate plan will be created for the treatment of diagnosed warts.

What are the Risk Factors for Genital Warts?

Some risk factors that contribute to the development of genital warts include:

Sexual Activity: Sexual contact can contribute to the transmission of HPV in a way that can cause genital warts.

Multiple Sexual Partners: People with multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of HPV infection.

Immune Status: A weak immune system can facilitate the development of HPV infection and lead to the appearance of genital warts.

Smoking: Some research shows that smoking may increase the risk of HPV infection.

Age of Starting Sexual Intercourse: Starting sexual intercourse at an early age may increase the risk of HPV infection.

These risk factors can affect the development of genital warts, but having any risk factors does not mean that genital warts will occur. When experiencing any symptoms or risk factors, regular medical check-up is important.

In which areas of the body are genital warts seen?

Genital warts, as the name suggests, are seen in the genital area. These:

Penis: In men, warts can be seen on the penis, especially under the foreskin and on its head.

Vagina and Vulva: In women, genital warts can be found inside or outside the vagina, in the external genital area called the vulva.

Anus and Perianal Area: In both men and women, warts can develop around the anus and perianal area (the skin around the anus).

Scrotum and Perineum: Genital warts can also be seen on the scrotum (bag skin) and perineum area in men.

What are the Types of Genital Wart Treatment?

Treatment of genital warts may vary depending on the size, number and prevalence of the warts and the patient’s health condition. Genital wart treatment types are:

Topical Treatments: Creams, gels or solutions can be used to treat genital warts locally. These treatments usually work by drying and reducing the surface of the warts.

Cryotherapy (Icing Treatment): It is the process of freezing and then destroying warts using liquid nitrogen.

Electrocauterization (Burning with Electricity): It is the process of burning warts using electric current.

Laser Treatment: It is the process of destroying warts using laser. This treatment is generally preferred for treating larger or resistant warts.

Surgical Excision: It is the process of surgically removing large or widespread warts.

Imiquimod and Podofiloxin: Used as topical applications, these drugs treat warts by increasing the immune system’s response.

Interferon Treatment: This treatment is a medication injected directly into the warts to help the immune system fight the warts.

The choice of treatment is determined by a doctor depending on factors such as the size and prevalence of the warts, the patient’s health status and preferences. The treatment process can usually take several weeks or months until the warts disappear completely.

Is Safe Sexual Intercourse Possible After Genital Wart Treatment?

Safe sexual intercourse is possible after genital wart treatment, but certain precautions must be taken. These may include:

Completion of Treatment: It is important to complete the treatment and wait for the warts to disappear completely. It is important to continue the follow-up examinations recommended by your doctor for a certain period of time after treatment.

Protection Methods: Using a condom during sexual contact can reduce the risk of transmission of HPV (the virus that causes genital warts). However, condoms do not completely eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus.

Regular Check-Up: It is important to go for regular doctor check-ups as there is a possibility of warts reappearing. In case of any symptoms or problems, a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately.

Communication with Partner: If you have a partner, it is important to talk openly with him/her about your sexual history and genital wart treatment. This may help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.

It is important to pay attention to your doctor’s recommendations and the treatment process for safe sexual intercourse after treatment.

What are the Genital Wart Treatment Prices in 2024?

Genital wart treatment prices may vary depending on the treatment method used, duration of treatment, size and prevalence of warts, location of the clinic where the treatment is performed, and the availability of health insurance. Generally, treating warts may require one or several sessions, and the cost of treatment is determined by the number of sessions. Additionally, some clinics may offer treatment under health insurance, while others may not. Therefore, it is important to inquire about genital wart treatment prices directly from the treatment provider.

How Are Genital Warts Transmitted?

Genital warts are transmitted by the human papillomavirus called HPV. HPV is a virus that spreads from person to person through sexual contact. The most common way genital warts are transmitted is through sexual intercourse, but rarely they can be transmitted without contact. Some factors that increase the risk of contracting HPV include:

Sexual Intercourse: The most common form of transmission is through sexual contact. The virus can be passed from one person to another through skin contact during sexual intercourse.

Number of Sexual Partners: People with more than one sexual partner have a higher risk of exposure to HPV.

Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: Condom use can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but does not completely eliminate it.

Presence of Genital Warts: A person with genital warts can transmit the virus to their sexual partner.

Beginning of Sexual Life: The risk of HPV infection is higher in people who start sexual intercourse at a young age.

To prevent the transmission of genital warts, it is important to use methods of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and have regular medical check-ups and tests.

What Happens If Genital Warts Are Not Treated?

If genital warts are left untreated, they can lead to a variety of health problems and, in some cases, serious complications. If left untreated, genital warts can progress to:

Increased Spread: Untreated warts may increase in number and size. This can lead to the spread of warts to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.

Pain and Discomfort: Warts that grow or spread may cause pain, itching, or discomfort.

Psychological Effects: The presence of genital warts can negatively affect a person’s psychological health. Emotions such as shame, anxiety and stress may be experienced.

Cancer Risk: Some types of HPV can lead to cancer in case of long-term infections. In particular, the cancer-causing types of HPV are often the same as the types that cause warts.

Complications: Untreated genital warts can rarely lead to serious complications. For example, large warts can cause a blockage around the urinary tract or anus.

What is the Possibility of Genital Warts Recurring?

The possibility of recurrence of genital warts depends on the length of time the virus remains in the body and the state of the immune system. HPV virus may not be completely cleared from the body and may be reactivated under appropriate conditions. However, the likelihood of genital warts recurring may vary from person to person. While warts may recur in some people, they may not recur in others.

To reduce the chance of recurrence, it is important to treat warts. Treatment can help warts shrink and disappear and prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, taking precautions such as using condoms during sexual intercourse and avoiding sexually transmitted infections can also reduce the risk of recurrence.

Are Genital Warts Painful?

Genital warts are usually painless, but in some cases there may be pain or discomfort. Pain may be experienced depending on factors such as the size and location of the warts and sensitivity of the skin tissue. Pain or discomfort may be more common if warts are present in particularly large or sensitive areas (for example, at the entrance to the vagina or around the anus).

Pain or discomfort usually occurs when there is a change in the color or size of the warts. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor and have the warts evaluated.

Do Genital Warts Go Away on Their Own?

Genital warts rarely go away on their own. The HPV virus can persist in the body and be activated in certain situations. Treating genital warts usually prevents the spread of the virus and helps eliminate the warts, but does not completely eliminate the virus.