What is HPV Treatment?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a wart virus that settles in the nerves. Just like viruses that appear on our feet, hands, or any other part of our body, viruses in the genital area are also the same. However, these viruses have different types. There are over 200 different types of HPV. While the type of HPV virus found in the hands, feet, face, or other parts of the body is different, the type of virus that occurs in the genital area is different.
If we describe HPV virus in women or men without distinguishing, this is the situation. However, looking only from the perspective of women, some types of HPV settle in the mucosa and cause adverse changes in the cervix. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease. There is a direct relationship between HPV and cervical cancer.
How is HPV Transmitted?
HPV is transmitted sexually. When having sexual intercourse with a person who is a carrier of HPV, the virus can be transmitted to the person who does not carry the virus. Although we generally say that transmission occurs through sexual contact, sometimes transmission can occur outside of sexual contact. Transmission can occur due to the common use of items such as bathrobes, towels, underwear, or the lack of hygiene in shared areas.
It is known that the HPV virus that causes cervical cancer in women also causes penile cancer in men. It is important not to forget that men are carriers, and therefore their protection is as important as that of women. Genital warts pose significant risks for male patients as well, and when detected, they should be treated without delay.
What are the Symptoms of Genital Warts?
- Swelling the size of a pinhead
- Bulky and bumpy texture
- Cauliflower appearance
- Cream-colored, yellow, or brown bumps
- Itching or redness
- Bleeding during sexual intercourse (rarely)
In women, genital warts can be seen on the vulva, inside and around the vagina, cervix, around the anus, or groin. In men, warts occur on the penis, testicles, groin, or between the legs. Whether the swellings that occur in these areas are genital warts can be distinguished with the help of the following symptoms.
What are the Treatment Methods for Genital Warts?
There is currently no method to completely eliminate HPV from the body. However, the area where genital warts occur needs to be cleaned to eliminate them. The treatment methods may vary depending on the condition of the individual’s warts. However, usually wart tissue is burned with creams, and the individual gets rid of all warts within a few weeks.
Cryotherapy, a method called cryotherapy, can be used in the treatment of genital warts. In this method, liquid nitrogen is sprayed into the wart, and the wart disintegrates by freezing. Electrocoagulation, a method called electrocoagulation, is applied with local anesthesia to destroy warts with electrical current. Surgical operations are rarely performed to completely remove genetic warts. In addition, both women and men can benefit from the same treatment methods.
Can Genital Warts Go Away on Their Own?
Genital warts are skin lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This infection is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause lesions on the skin, genital area, anus, and throat. Unfortunately, HPV infection does not go away on its own, and genital warts are persistent. However, there are treatment options available.
The treatment of genital warts can vary depending on the location, number, and size of the lesions. Your doctor may try to eliminate skin lesions with medications prescribed for treatment. In some cases, surgical procedures are also used. For example, procedures such as electrocoagulation or burning lesions with a laser may be applied.
The fact that warts do not go away on their own and are persistent emphasizes the importance of the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV infection and genital warts. Therefore, it is important to be vaccinated before starting sexual activity and at a young age.
Our page is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
