What is Genital warts ?

Genital warts (condyloma akuminata) is a wart on or around the vagina, penis or rectum, which is transmitted through sexual contact.

Genital warts are often found and cause anxiety because:
- Not a pretty sight,
- Can be infected with bacteria
- Could be an indication of immune system disorders.


CAUSE
Papilloma virus. In women, papilloma virus types 16 and 18, which attacks the cervix but does not cause genital warts on the outside and can cause cervical cancer. Viruses of this type and other papilloma virus can cause intra-epithelial tumors of the cervix (indicated by the results of abnormal Pap-smear) or cancer of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, mouth, throat or esophagus.


SYMPTOMS
Genital warts most often grows on the surface of the body is warm and humid. In men, the area is often affected are the tip and shaft of the penis and under the skin before him (if not circumcised). In women, warts occur on the vulva, vaginal wall, cervix (cervical) and the skin around the vagina. Genital warts can also occur in the area around the anus and rectum, especially in homosexual men and women who have sex through the anus.

Warts usually appear within 1-6 months after infection, started as a small swelling of the soft, moist, red or pink. They grow quickly and can have stalks. In a region often grow a few warts and rough surface which provides an overview such as cauliflower (cauliflower).

In pregnant women, in disorders of the immune system (people with AIDS or treatment with drugs that suppress the immune system) and in people whose skin is inflamed, the growth of these warts are very fast.


Diagnosis
Diagnosis based on symptoms and physical examination. Persistent warts can be removed surgically and examined under a microscope to make sure that it is not a malignancy. Women who have warts on the cervix, should undergo Pap-smear regularly.


TREATMENT
External genital warts can be removed by laser, cryotherapy (freezing) or surgery with local anesthesia. Chemical treatment, such as podophyllum resin or a purified toxin or trichloroacetic acid, can be applied directly to the wart. But this treatment may take several weeks to several months, can injure the surrounding skin and often fail.

Warts in the urethra can be treated with anti-cancer drugs such as tiotepa or florourasil. Another option is the removal of warts from the urethra through endoscopic surgery. Genital warts often relapse and require retreatment. In men who have not been circumcised, recurrence can be prevented by undergoing circumcision.