The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that genital warts, also known as condylomata, are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus. About 1 percent of sexually active adults in the U.S. have genital warts. Genital warts can be flat or raised, can be single or in clusters, and are cauliflower like in appearance.
Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is the most commonly transmitted sexual disease. According to the CDC, there are more than 40 types of HPV that can affect the genitals of men and women. They can also affect the mouth and throat. HPV causes not only genital warts but cervical cancer, vulvar cancer and in some instances even anal and penile cancer.
Anatomy
FamilyDoctor.org reports that in women, the warts are often found in the moist tissues of the vulva, perianal area, in the vagina or on the cervix. In men, warts can grow on the penis, near the anus or between the penis and the scrotum. Warts can also be found in the mouth and throat when HPV has been introduced into the area. While most genital warts are painless, they can occasionally be accompanied by burning, itching and pain.
Treatment with Medication
The Mayo Clinic states that up to 30 percent of genital warts go away on their own without treatment. If the warts are not causing discomfort, you may not need treatment. Many people elect to seek treatment due to the psychological discomfort the warts seem to cause. Treatment options include medications and surgery. Three common medications are used to treat genital warts. Podofillyn (Condylox) works by destroying the warts tissue and must be applied by a doctor. Imiquimod (Aldara) works by boosting the body's immune system so that it can fight the genital warts. Trichloroacetic acid burns off genital warts and must be applied by a doctor.
Surgical Treatment
Often, if the warts are larger or a woman is pregnant, they may opt for a surgical intervention. There are several surgical options. Cryotherapy--freezing off warts with liquid nitrogen--works by causing a blister to form around the skin and the wart to fall off as the tissue heals. Electrocautery is the process of burning off the lesions with an electrical current. A doctor may opt to surgically excise the wounds using special tools that cut off the warts. The final option is laser treatment where the warts are exposed to an intense beam of light. This option is expensive and is almost always reserved for extensive outbreaks or warts that do not respond to other treatments.
Prevention
In order to prevent the spread of HPV it is important to practice safe sex. Always use a condom. HPV is exposed through skin to skin contact but using a condom can significantly reduce the spread of the disease. If warts are visible on the skin, avoid sexual contact. If you haven't already been exposed to the virus ask your doctor about new vaccinations against HPV.
