Condyloma Acuminate (Genital Warts)
What exactly are Genital Warts?
Another name for Condyloma acuminate is Genital Warts. This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a skin virus where soft growths appear on the scrotum, penis, vagina, vulva, cervix, and urethra, as well as in the anus area.
One of the symptoms of the infection is increased moisture in the area of the infection. In women symptoms are abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, increased vaginal discharge, itching of the vulva and anus area, and in men itching of the penis, scrotum or around the anus.
Risk factors for getting Condyloma acuminate:
- Sex at an early age
- Active and multiple sexual partners
- Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Other viral infections such as Herpes or HIV
- High stressed individuals
Although common, there are no symptoms for this disease and it should be treated as soon as diagnosed to prevent from spreading the condition which may lead to complications if left untreated. Children who have been diagnosed with possible genital warts may have been sexually abused.
Genital warts are lesions that are raised either in clusters or as single lesions, and are white or skin colored. If left untreated they will enlarge and resemble a cauliflower in appearance.
There are over 70 types of Genital warts sometimes associated with cancer of the vulva or cervix. These types of warts are not always visible since they are flat, that is why it is important to detect and treat this condition when diagnosed. Individuals who have herpes and genital warts are at a greater risk for cervical cancer.
Diagnosis is done by examining the genital area and looking for white or flesh colored lesions. Pelvic examination of vagina and cervix may show the growths and can be treated with acetic acid to make the warts more visible, also a pap smear may show the infection.
To treat the infected area a doctor should be seen who will treat the patient in the office and may prescribe medication to be applied to the skin. Over the counter remedies may not be effective and will not treat this type of infection. The virus may also be treated by cutting the lesions out through surgery or by undergoing laser therapy, cryosurgery and electro-cauterization.
When genital warts are discovered, all sexual partners must be seen by a doctor or health care provider for treatment. Follow-up examinations will be scheduled by the physician to see if the infection has been cured.
Woman diagnosed with genital warts on the cervix should have pap smears done every 3 to 6 months. After treatment, others may still become infected through sexual contact, and there could be reappearance of the warts even after treatment.
The only way to prevent getting Condyloma acuminate is to abstain from all sexual activity or have a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner that is disease-free. Condoms are not 100 % proof, although it is a good idea to use them since they can reduce the chance of spreading the disease and even if there are no visible lesions, the infection can still be passed onto a partner. The Gardasil vaccine, which is a series of three shots, is recommended for girls and women 9 years to 26 years, and can prevent four strains of genital warts responsible for cervical cancer in women.
For more Information Read: Top 3 Natural Genital Warts Treatments Tested