Tests such as the Pap smear should be performed, especially in women, as other types of HPV can be found in the body at the same time. Genital warts are light or dark brown bumps on the skin, sometimes in the form of dots. It can be seen as a single wart, or multiple warts can appear side by side in the form of cauliflower. Warts are sometimes thought of as non-flesh or not noticed at all. They may itch or bleed during sexual intercourse.

It is estimated that 60% of people have encountered HPV at some point in their lives. After the virus enters the body, it is usually suppressed by the immune system. Types that cause genital warts when not suppressed show symptoms an average of 1 year after infection.

Whether the virus gives symptoms or not, it is possible for it to infect other people because it is in the body. For this reason, it cannot be determined when and from whom the HPV virus was transmitted. The earlier genital warts are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat. Warts are treated according to their size with creams, various burning methods, or surgery.

Genital warts are seen in 1% of the population. In the 20s, this rate rises to 7%. Even if cervical cancer vaccination is given, screening programs should be continued. All women over the age of 21 should have a smear every three years.

A screening co-test, in which HPV and PAP smear tests are used together, is recommended to be performed at the age of 30. If both of these results are good, the rate of development of cervical cancer or precancerous lesions decreases to 2.5 within five years. 0.08%

How is HPV transmitted?

  • The HPV virus can be seen in all genders and is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. In addition to vaginal and anal intercourse, HPV can be transmitted by skin contact in the genital area not covered by the condom.
  • Although genital warts are not visible, contact with HPV-infected skin in the genital area is sufficient for the virus to be transmitted.
  • It is rarely transmitted by oral sex.
  • After being infected with HPV, it can remain silent in the body for many years and does not cause genital warts in everyone. In many people, HPV is neutralized by the body's defense system.
  • Warts may appear several months or years after infection with the HPV types that cause genital warts. During this period, the person becomes a carrier and can transmit the disease to others.
  • In pregnant women with HPV, it can be passed from mother to baby during delivery.
  • It is not possible to determine from which partner the genital warts were transmitted or how long the virus remained in the body.
  • In untreated patients, warts can multiply and grow in size.
  • Genital warts are not transmitted by kissing, using towels, cutlery, glasses, or toilets.

Ways of Protection

  • Always use a condom during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but the virus can also be transmitted from areas of skin that are not protected by a condom.
  • Do not have sexual intercourse while being treated for genital warts.
  • Get the HPV vaccine: the most effective way to protect yourself from HPV; HPV vaccine for both women and men
  • The HPV vaccine, which is used all over the world and applied from childhood in some countries, provides protection against HPV 16 and 18 types, which are the most common cancer-causing types of the virus. In addition, the quad vaccine (quadruple) has protection against types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. It can protect against 90% of all cervical cancers as well as warts at the same rate.

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts are the size of a pinhead, raised, and rough. When there are more than one, they can combine to take on the appearance of cauliflower. They may initially be flesh-colored or in the form of brown bumps. While warts usually do not cause any complaints, they can sometimes cause itching and bleeding during sexual intercourse.

Genital warts may occur in the following areas:

  • Warts can be solitary, grouped, raised on the skin, flat, or "cauliflower" shaped.
  • The skin may be raised, rough, tan, light brown, or gray in color.
  • Usually, there is no feeling of pain. However, it can be itchy.
  • There may be slight bleeding during sexual intercourse.
  • It can occur weeks or months after sexual contact with a person with warts.
  • HPV infection that causes genital warts can rarely cause warts in the throat if the mouth comes into contact with the genital area.

in women

  • Vulva (external female genitalia)
  • in or around the vagina
  • in or around the anus
  • In the groin (where the genital area meets the inner thigh),
  • in the cervix

in men

  • Penis,
  • testes,
  • Spoon,
  • It occurs in one or more areas between the legs or in the anus.

Genital wart treatment methods

There is no treatment that will rid your body of the HPV infection. However, genital warts can be removed using the following methods: In the treatment, it is aimed not only to destroy the warts but also to completely clean the tissue where the wart is located.

Genital warts are treated with cream, cryotherapy (burning), or freezing, and if the wart is large, it is treated with surgery.

Be careful and protect yourself against infectious diseases for your health.