Genital warts, also known as condylomata, top the list of sexually transmitted diseases.
The infectivity is very high, so if you occasionally change sexual partners, you should be aware of this risk.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are more than 200 strains. Some high-risk strains can cause cellular changes in the cervix and anus, leading to cancerous growth. Other strains, specifically HPV6 and HPV11, can cause problems such as genital warts.
Condylomata initially appear as flat, light-colored blisters that can develop into red or dark-colored growths. “Genital warts are characterized by rapid spreading in both number and size. They usually do not hurt, but they can itch, cause discomfort, and bleed,” explains gynecologist Dr. Kristýna Koutná.
Externally, they affect both large and small labia and the clitoris. You can also find warts in the vagina. They can be transmitted to the cervix, detectable only through gynecological examination. In men, warts appear on the penis – foreskin, preputial sac, glans, and urethral orifice, as well as on the testicles. Warts can occur in the groin area, anus, as well as in the mouth and throat for both genders.
HPV transmission mainly occurs through sexual contact, not only genital but also oral or anal. Sometimes, even mere touches of the infected area during cuddling are sufficient. Spread can also occur through towels, bedding, and underwear that have come into contact with the wart. Scratching or shaving the affected areas with a razor can also lead to transmission to other areas.
The treatment of genital warts depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. The most common methods include:
If you notice the problem, visit a doctor immediately – a general practitioner, gynecologist, dermatovenereologist, or urogynecologist. In the case of surgical or laser removal, subsequent wound care is crucial. You can use antimicrobial silver, which protects the affected area from bacterial infection and aids in wound healing. Silver is available over the counter in the form of foam for vaginal warts and gel for genital warts in men. Proper intimate hygiene supports the treatment.
Precise information about the number of HPV-infected individuals does not exist. However, the likelihood is high. According to a foreign study from 2023, up to 80% of women aged 25-35 encounter the virus. According to another study published by the World Health Organization (WHO), some types of papillomavirus have been detected in 1 in 3 men over 15 years old.
The risk of HPV lies in its incubation period, during which symptoms may not be apparent. This period can last for weeks to months, complicating virus prevention and control. Sometimes the body can naturally clear the virus. There are cases where the virus remains present in the body for many years and activates when the person’s immune system is weakened due to illness, stress, or age.
You can protect yourself with sexual prudence and condom use, which, while not completely preventing, significantly reduces the risk of HPV transmission. Warts can also appear in women who have been vaccinated against cervical cancer. “The primary goal of this vaccination is to protect against the development of cervical cancer, serving for the prevention of infection with some of the most common and high-risk strains of HPV,” explains Dr. Kristýna Koutná and adds, “A combined vaccine is now commonly available, protecting against a broader spectrum of HPV – including those strains that cause genital warts.”
And our recommendation? Whether we’re on the risk list or not, let’s be cautious, go for regular check-ups, and protect our body.
