Genital warts, medically known as condyloma acuminata, are a highly contagious and common sexually transmitted disease. Caused by several subtypes of the human papilloma virus, genital warts have a variety of appearances. Found on the skin or mucous membranes of the genital and anal areas, they are also called anal or anogenital warts. Prevention is optimal but if a person contracts genital warts there are a number of effective treatments.
The genital warts appear as small warty growths usually in clusters around the vagina or anus in women or on the penis in men. They can appear in the vagina and on the uterine cervix in women resulting in an abnormal Pap smear. In men they may be found on the scrotum or around the anus. Genital warts have even been reported in the mouth and throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected individual.
Genital warts are common. It has been estimated that 1% of the sexually active adult population has genital warts. Ninety percent of genital warts are caused by HPV subtypes six and 11. The purpose of the Gardasil vaccine is to produce immunity in young women before they become sexually active and exposed to HPV.
Treatment for genital warts ranges from patient applied medications to surgery. Condylox, Aldara, and Veregen are all prescription medications that patients can apply themselves. Physicians can apply a phydophyllotoxin solution, tricholoracetic acid or use liquid nitrogen to freeze the genital warts in the office. Large warts respond better to surgical removal with a scalpel or a CO2 laser.
Condoms are helpful as a barrier to the spread of HPV and vaccination will provide some immunity. Seeking medical care if any abnormal grow is noted to that treatment is begun early when it is the simplest is optimal.