Genital Warts: A Common STD that Resembles Cauliflower

What Causes Genital Warts?

Genital warts are the result of an STD known as the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, which has numerous strains—anything from mild to very serious. Serious strains can even cause life-threatening cervical or oral cancer. Most people who are sexually active will get HPV at one point in time, but fortunately, most people can clear it from their bodies in about two years, although the viruses that create genital warts can recur in time and can be quite discomforting and painful if left untreated.

Risk Factors for Genital Warts

Certain behaviors and conditions increase the chances of acquiring genital warts, including:

• Engaging in unprotected sex
• Multiple sexual partners
• Previous history of STDs, easily detected using at-home STD rapid test kits
• Relations with unknown or new partners
• Early sexual initiation
• Being immunocompromised, which makes one more prone to acquiring STDs, including genital warts.

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Identifying Genital Warts: Symptoms and Signs

Genital warts may appear as lumps, bumps, or cauliflower-like lesions and are usually non-cancerous growths. They are sometimes darker than your skin or may be the color of your skin. They occur in both women and men and can appear around the vulva, vagina, anus, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anus. Open oral sex can also cause warts in the mouth.

Common symptoms include:

• Itching
• Irritation
• Bleeding during intercourse
• Pain

How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed?

Genital warts are typically diagnosed clinically. A biopsy is required if the diagnosis is uncertain. For women, routine Pap tests and pelvic exams are recommended to obtain information about the health of cervical cells and detect harmful types of HPV.

Treatments for Genital Warts

Even though asymptomatic warts that do not cause discomfort may not need treatment, serious symptoms or a desire to prevent further infection may make treatment options reasonable for many. It is necessary to remember that recurrence of genital warts may take place over time.

Medications for Genital Warts

Topical treatments applied directly to the warts include:

• Imiquimod
• Podophyllin and podofilox
• Trichloroacetic acid
• Sinecatechins

Surgical Treatments of Genital Warts

The following surgical procedures may be required for larger, painful warts:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Electrocautery
• Surgical excision
• Laser removal

Methods of Prevention from Genital Warts

To reduce your risk of contracting genital warts, consider these prevention strategies:

• Practice monogamy
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Get vaccinated against HPV
• Regular STD testing
• Continue getting regular Pap tests
• Always use a condom when having sexual intercourse

Fast Facts: HPV and Genital Warts

• About 80% of all sexually active individuals contract HPV at least once during their lifetime.
• An estimated 79 million Americans now have an active HPV infection.
• Every year, it leads to 44,000 HPV-associated cancers in the US.
• It is considered to cause 90% of anal and cervical cancers, 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and 60% of penile cancers. HPV can also cause oropharyngeal cancer.

Possible Complications of Genital Warts

The gravest complication of an HPV infection is cancer. As previously stated, the majority of anal, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers are caused by HPV. HPV can also cause oral cancer, acquired by giving oral sex to a person with HPV in their genitals or anus.

Although not all HPV infections cause cancer, Pap tests are an important part of women's health care for the early detection of the disease. In rare cases, mothers with large genital warts can experience obstructed births and even pass the infection to their baby's throat.

HPV and Vaccination

Vaccination can prevent some types of HPV. It is suggested that both men and women get the newest vaccine available, named Gardasil 9. Most men who have genital HPV infection have no symptoms, which makes it important to seek testing to detect the presence of HPV. The only side effects from the vaccine are usually minor and may include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms
• A low-grade fever

Testing is necessary prior to vaccination to ensure you do not already test positive for these strains of the virus.

Conclusion

Knowing more about the most common STD, genital warts, having safe sexual encounters, and regularly visiting one's physician can considerably reduce the risk of acquiring this common STD.

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