GENITAL WARTS

Genital warts, also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminata, are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). As the name suggests, genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They may look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts may be very small, or they may multiply into large clusters. Although genital warts can be treated with medications and surgery, they are a serious health concern. The virus that causes genital warts — the human papillomavirus (HPV) — has been associated with cervical cancer. It has also been linked with other types of genital cancers.
CAUSES:Like warts that appear on other areas of your skin, genital warts are caused by a virus — HPV — that infects the top layers of your skin. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, but only a few can cause genital warts. These strains of the virus are highly contagious and spread through sexual contact with an infected person. About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with someone who has genital warts develop the condition — usually within three months of contact, but in some cases not for years.
RISK FACTORS OF BECOMING INFECTED WITH HPV INCLUDE:Having unprotected sex with multiple partners,Having had another sexually transmitted disease ,Having sex with a partner whose sexual history you don't know ,Becoming sexually active at a young age
COMPLICATIONS :HPV infection ,Adolescent girls most at risk of getting an STD Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Cancer..Cervical cancer has been closely linked with HPV infection. Certain types of HPV also are associated with cancer of the vulva, cancer of the anus and cancer of the penis. Human papillomavirus infection doesn't always lead to cancer, but it's still important for women, particularly if you've been infected with certain higher risk types of HPV, to have regular Pap tests.
PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY. Genital warts may cause problems during pregnancy. Warts could enlarge, making it difficult to urinate. Warts on the vaginal wall may reduce the ability of vaginal tissues to stretch during childbirth. may need surgery to prevent airway obstruction.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
• DETECTING GENITAL WARTS :Because it's often difficult to detect genital warts, your doctor may apply an acetic acid solution to your genitals to whiten any warts. Then, he or she may view them through a special microscope called a colposcope.
• THE IMPORTANCE OF PAP TESTS: For women, it's important to have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests, which can help detect vaginal and cervical changes caused by genital warts or the early signs of cervical cancer — a possible complication of HPV infection.

TREATMENTS

Up to 30 percent of genital warts go away without treatment. If your warts are not causing discomfort, you may not need treatment. However, if your symptoms include itching, burning and pain or if visible warts are causing emotional distress, your doctor can help you clear an outbreak with medications or surgical treatments. The underlying virus is never completely eliminated, however, and genital warts may reappear even after treatment. Genital warts treatments that can be applied directly to your skin include: Podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox),Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This chemical treatment burns off genital warts. They must always be applied by a doctor. Don't try to treat genital warts with over-the-counter medications. These medications aren't intended for use in the moist tissues of the genital area. Using over-the-counter medications for this purpose can cause even more pain and irritation. Surgery may also be used to remove the Warts.

PREVENTION
 Use a condom. HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact with any infected part of your body — but using a condom every time you have sex can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HPV.
 Avoid sexual contact. If warts are visible on your genital area or your partner's, avoid sexual contact until the warts are treated. If you've developed genital warts for the first time, inform your sexual partner so that he or she can be screened for infection and, if necessary, receive treatment.
 Consider vaccination. While it won't completely prevent genital warts or cervical cancer, a vaccine known as HPV Vaccine protects against the two strains of HPV that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and the two strains that cause 90 percent of genital warts. The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine vaccination for girls ages 11 and 12, as well as girls and women ages 13 to 26 if they haven't received the vaccine already. The vaccine is most effective if given to girls before they become sexually active.