Genital Warts
Genital Warts
Genital warts are benign growths in the genital and anal area. A common form of sexually transmitted disease, they are caused by one of various forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV), other forms of which cause plantar warts of the foot and common warts of the skin. Also called venereal warts or condylomata acuminata. genital warts usually result from sexual contact with an infected partner, although they occasionally are spread by touching the genitals with wart infected hands. In rare Instances genital warts are spread from an Infected mother to a newborn during delivery. Although they are easily spread and hard to eradicate, genital warts are generally no more than an annoyance. Warts caused by certain types of the HIV, however, have been associated with cervical cancer. Treatment can be important for pregnant women because occasionally a large mass of warts on the vaginal waits can physically obstruct labor. In rare cases, untreated warts on the cervix, vagina, or anal area may necessitate a cesarean section so that they do not break open and bleed excessively during delivery.
Who is likely to develop genital warts?
Genital warts can develop in any person whose genital area has been directly touched by another wart. Because these
warts thrive in warm, moist environments, they are likely to proliferate In women who are pregnant or who have vaginal infections (see vaginitis) because at these times vaginal secretions tend to increase. Some investigators believe that warts are particularly likely to grow in people with compromised immune systems, including those who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
How is the condition evaluated?
Some women (especially those with warts on the cervix) do not find out they have genital warts until they have an abnormal Pap test. Others may notice suspicious swellings on the vulva and consult a clinician. Since the naked eye can miss many warts, most clinicians use a magnifying glass or a colposcope (a special type of microscope used to examine the genital area) for a more thorough Inspection. Often a vinegar-like (acetic acid solution is applied to the affected area first to turn cells white and improve visibility. If warts are found, the clinician may do a biopsy (tissue sample to make sure that there have been no cancerous changes in any surrounding cells. In some cases a blood test may be recommended as well to check for the presence of HIV, which seems to accelerate the growth and spread of the warts.