Genital warts can be described as skin lesions caused by the HPV virus. They do not always require treatment and may sometimes disappear on their own. However, the virus can settle in the skin cells and cause the warts to recur. The method and technique chosen for genital wart treatment may vary depending on the size and condition of the lesion.

Treatment options for genital warts include surgical removal of the wart, cauterization, laser treatment to burn the lesion, or cryotherapy to freeze the wart.

If the lesion is located in the anal area, it must be examined by a general surgeon to ensure proper management of the region. If the lesion is found inside the mouth, it should be examined by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.

Genital wart creams may be used to reduce the negative effects caused by the warts, under the guidance of a doctor. These creams are different from those used for warts on other parts of the body. Therefore, creams used for warts on the hands or other body areas do not contribute to the treatment of genital warts.

Prevention of genital warts is partially possible with the HPV vaccine. Currently, it is not included in the routine vaccination schedule by the Ministry of Health, and it must be obtained privately through hospitals and administered by specialists.

The HPV vaccine generally covers 9 major subtypes that cause warts and cancer. This vaccine is very useful for preventing cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men. It is recommended to be administered before becoming sexually active or before the age of 21. For those who have received the vaccine, the likelihood of developing warts or HPV-related cancers is significantly reduced. This is why it is recommended by doctors and the World Health Organization.

What Causes Genital Warts?

The only known cause of genital warts is an infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV, many of which are asymptomatic. Almost everyone who is sexually active carries at least one type of HPV, but the vast majority of people never show symptoms throughout their lifetime. The most common and well-known mode of transmission of HPV is through unprotected sexual intercourse. Protection must be ensured through condom use, as birth control pills or IUDs do not provide protection against HPV. In addition, direct skin-to-skin contact with genital warts can also transmit the virus. Oral and anal intercourse are also risk factors.

HPV is a virus that loses its activity and viability quickly in the outside world. Therefore, it is unlikely to be transmitted through environments like toilets. The presence of warts is not related to the person's personal hygiene.

What is the HPV Virus?

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that is common in humans. Although it causes no problems in most people, in some individuals, it can lead to genital warts and even cancer. HPV primarily affects the skin and can impact areas like the mouth, throat, and genital regions. Transmission of HPV does not necessarily require sexual intercourse. HPV can be spread through genital contact, including anal, vaginal, or oral sex, or even through shared items such as towels that have come into contact with the genital area. A person infected with HPV may not show any symptoms; therefore, special tests are needed to determine if a person is infected with HPV. To reduce the risk of HPV, using condoms during sexual activity can help reduce the risk. However, since condoms do not cover the entire genital area, they do not provide complete protection.

HPV vaccines provide protection against the most common HPV types that cause genital warts and cervical cancer, but they do not offer protection against all types of HPV. As mentioned, the immune system plays a significant role in the treatment of HPV. However, if warts are present, a procedure called cauterization, which aims to remove the warts, may be required. Unfortunately, it is important to understand that many people with high-risk HPV infections may not show any symptoms until they cause serious health issues. Therefore, regular check-ups are extremely important. In many cases, the body's immune system can fight off the infection before warts even form. When warts appear, their appearance can vary depending on the type of virus, making it more difficult to recognize them.

What Are the Symptoms of HPV?

In men, HPV infection generally does not show symptoms. However, certain strains of the virus can lead to genital warts. Genital warts may appear as large or small, flat or raised, and with edges that may be jagged or cauliflower-like in appearance.

Less frequently, certain types of HPV infections can lead to penile or anal cancer in men. Other cancers that may be caused include throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer), which can affect the base of the tongue and tonsils. Typical skin warts are also signs of an infection, but the types of HPV that cause skin warts are not the same types that cause genital warts or cancer.

In women, as in men, HPV infections typically do not show symptoms. However, in some cases, the infection persists and can lead to genital warts, skin warts, or cancerous or precancerous changes in the cells lining the cervix. Women may experience pain during sexual intercourse due to the presence of warts in the genital area.

Warts in the urethra may cause a burning sensation while urinating. It is important to note that the types of HPV that cause cancers, genital warts, and skin warts are different.

A Pap test on the cervix helps detect changes caused by the virus in the cervix and has been used for decades as a screening tool for cervical cancer. The HPV types that cause cancer are known as high-risk types.

Is There a Treatment for HPV?

Another common question is whether there is a definitive cure for HPV, as there are many misconceptions about it. While there is no cure for the virus itself, various methods can be used to treat the warts that result from HPV infection. Surgical procedures may be used to remove warts, although less invasive treatments such as burning, freezing, laser ablation, or chemical methods can also be effective in removing warts. Among these methods, burning HPV lesions is the most commonly used and is ideal for treating genital warts in the external genital area.

What happens if HPV is left untreated is another concern. While some HPV cases may resolve on their own, untreated infections typically spread and multiply. The virus may remain in the body and potentially cause recurrences, meaning there is a risk of recurrence.

Some types of HPV infections can be dangerous. Therefore, if you suspect you have HPV, it is important to see a healthcare professional promptly. Otherwise, untreated infections could cause problems later on and lead to more serious health issues.

While there is no definitive way to prevent HPV, women should have an annual smear test (Pap test) by a gynecologist, or a colposcopy evaluation if necessary, to screen for HPV-related changes. It is important to note that sexual protection can reduce the risk of HPV transmission by up to 70%.

For more detailed questions and support related to genital warts, please feel free to contact our clinic.