Genital Warts
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are benign tissue growths triggered by a virus that occur on the external genitals, on the anus, vagina, and rectum. Millions of people in the UK suffer from this sexually transmitted disease (STD). Genital warts are only pinned size and can evolve into cauliflower-like growths, which do not remain unobserved. As a result, they are usually treated beforehand and the growths never degenerate in size. In addition to the classic genital warts, there are also special forms, such as the flat genital warts called Condyloma Plana.
Are genital warts carcinogenic?
Triggered by human papillomavirus (HPV), they are transmitted through sexual contact with infected individuals. The papillomaviruses responsible for wart formation are usually harmless and not associated with any cancer risk. In very rare cases, they can also develop in the mouth and throat. In people with a weakened immune system (due to HIV or taking immunosuppressive drugs), colon cancer could be caused by genital warts.
What is the cause of genital warts?
The cause of genital warts is an infection with the human papillomavirus, also called HPV. The low-risk types such as HPV 6 and HPV 11 usually cause genital warts. Unfortunately, the high-risk type of HPV 16 or 18 can cause cervical cancer. The infection is 100% transmitted through sexual intercourse.
How long does it take until the symptoms appear?
After the infection with the Papillomavirus, it takes from four weeks up to eight months until the warts form.
How exactly are genital warts transmitted?
Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease and are transmitted via direct mucosal contact. Although condoms can lower the risk, they are not 100% safe, because they do not cover all the skin that is affected by the HP virus. Genital warts can be found in the area of the genitals and the anus. Moreover, contaminated sex toys can also cause genital warts to spread. Shared towels, bath sponges and bathing in the same bathtub can lead to genital warts infection, too. Oral sex with an infected person can cause a wart-like thickening of the skin in the throat, which means that a harmless genital warts infection can occur there as well. In pregnant women, the trigger of genital warts can be transmitted to the newborn at the moment of birth.
Possible consequences of an infection
According to experts, there are only a few cases in which genital warts can lead to serious consequences. About 40 different strains of the papilloma pathogens are known by now. Some of them indicate cervical cancer. Therefore, women should always be examined if they discover genital warts. However, in most cases they are harmless.
Genital warts – Common symptoms
Genital warts do not cause pain. However, you may experience symptoms like:
- Itching
- Foul- smelling secretion
- Slight bleeding from the warts
How to diagnose genital warts
The diagnosis process is different for men and women, as genital warts form in different places.
Genital warts in men
- At the penile sickle
- At the urethral exit (Meatus Urethrae Externus)
- At the extension of the urethral outlet (Fossa navicularis)
The doctor may dilate the urethra opening to examine the end of the urethra, a procedure called meatoscopy. Urethral speculation is performed when genital warts are present at the urethral opening. However, prior to this procedure, genital warts, visible from the outside, are treated to prevent human papillomavirus from penetrating the urethra during reflection.
Genital warts in women
In women, genital warts often appear in the labial area or the anus and are recognizable. As part of a gynecological examination, the gynecologist will scan the vagina from the inside and then examine it with a speculum to detect internal warts. Moreover, a smear is taken from the mucosa of the cervix. The "pap test" can detect malignant cell changes at an early stage, such as those caused by HPV infection, with the high-risk types HPV 16 or 18.
Ultimately, there still exists the option of a colposcopy inside the vagina. During this procedure, the cervix is examined by a special microscope or colposcope, and even the smallest genital warts can be identified.
Genital warts – Available treatments
With the proper medication, you can treat genital warts. At Apomeds we have the most effective creams for genital:
All of the products can be purchased only via a prescription. On our platform, you can have a prescription issued through an online diagnosis, made by an EU-licensed doctor. After that, your order will be processed by a mail-order pharmacy. You will receive the treatment within 48 hours.
How does the therapy for genital warts work?
If the cream is administered as early and carefully as possible, then genital warts will be eliminated. In case the infection is widely spread and in an advanced stage, removing warts might be a better option. This can be done by laser or nitrogen treatment, as well as by scraping, depending on the affected area and extent. As soon as you experience any symptoms, please see a doctor immediately, or consult Apomeds online.
Medicines for the treatment of genital warts at Apomeds
If you have already received a positive pap test for genital warts and need the appropriate medicines to treat it, you can get an online prescription at Apomeds. Simply complete our online health questionnaire, which will be checked by experienced doctors and processed by a certified mail-order pharmacy. The drug will arrive within 48 hours, in a discreet package, directly to your doorstep.