Genital warts are benign (benign) skin lesions caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and occurring in the genital area. This condition is caused especially by low-risk types of HPV, type 6 and type 11. Genital warts can be seen in both women and men and are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.
Genital warts usually develop on soft, moist tissues and can appear on the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, anus and groin area. These lesions are usually painless but can sometimes cause itching, burning sensation or discomfort. Warts can be found alone or in clusters and their sizes can vary from millimeters to centimeters. Laser Genital Wart Treatment, one of the modern treatment methods, is an important option for effectively treating these lesions.
Genital Wart Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of genital warts can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include small, flesh-colored or gray-colored bumps in the genital area. These bumps may have a cauliflower-like appearance and feel soft when touched.
The diagnosis process usually begins with a physical examination. The doctor carefully examines the genital area and evaluates suspicious lesions. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Cervical screening is also important in women because some HPV types can cause cervical cancer.
In men, warts are usually seen on the head of the penis, shaft, or scrotum. In women, they can appear on the vulva, vaginal entrance, cervix and around the anus. Sometimes warts can be so small that they are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Genital Wart Treatment
Genital Wart Treatment can be performed with various methods and the treatment choice is determined depending on the size, location and number of warts. Treatment options include topical medications, surgical interventions and modern technologies.
Topical treatments include substances such as imiquimod, podophyllotoxin and trichloroacetic acid. These drugs are applied on the warts and cause the lesions to shrink and disappear over time. However, this treatment method usually takes a long time and requires regular application.
Surgical treatment options include cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (electrical burning) and classical surgical excision. These methods usually give faster results but carry the risk of pain and scarring.
Long-Term Effects of Genital Warts
When genital warts are not treated, they can lead to various complications. The most important risk is the growth of warts and the increase in their number. This situation can create both physical and psychological discomfort. In addition, untreated warts increase the risk of transmission to partners.
Genital warts have special importance during pregnancy. Since there is a risk of transmission to the baby during delivery, treatment before pregnancy or during pregnancy is recommended. Rarely, large warts can block the birth canal and require cesarean delivery.
In the long term, the presence of genital warts can negatively affect a person’s sexual life and self-confidence. Therefore, early diagnosis and effective treatment are of great importance.
How is Genital Wart Treatment Performed?
The treatment process begins with a detailed examination first. The doctor evaluates the location, size and number of warts. The most appropriate treatment method is chosen based on this information.
The patient is informed before treatment and explanations are made about possible side effects. If topical treatment is to be applied, the patient is explained in detail how to use the medication. If surgical treatment is required, the pre-procedure preparation process is initiated.
Regular check-ups are made after treatment and the healing process is followed. If necessary, treatment can be repeated or a different method can be tried. It is important for patients to be patient during the treatment process and follow doctor’s recommendations.
Genital Warts and Sexual Health
Genital warts can affect sexual health in various ways. First, since this condition is sexually transmitted, it can lead to trust problems between partners. Open communication and correct information can minimize these problems.
Since there is a risk of warts being damaged during sexual activity, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse or take protective measures until treatment is completed. Condom use can reduce the risk of transmission but does not completely eliminate it.
The presence of genital warts can reduce a person’s sexual life quality. Therefore, both physical and psychological support are important. Taking psychological counseling when necessary can be beneficial.
Laser Genital Wart Treatment
Laser Genital Wart Treatment is one of the most effective treatment methods offered by modern medicine. This method is increasingly preferred due to its high precision and minimally invasive feature. Laser treatment is an ideal solution especially for warts that cannot be treated with traditional methods or recurring warts.
CO2 laser is the most commonly used laser type in genital wart treatment. This laser targets water molecules and vaporizes wart tissue in a controlled manner. During the procedure, minimal damage is given to surrounding healthy tissue and the healing process is accelerated.
Laser treatment has many advantages over other methods. These include less pain, minimal bleeding, low infection risk and aesthetically better results.
What is Laser Genital Wart Treatment?
Laser Genital Wart Treatment is the process of targeted destruction of wart tissue using concentrated light energy. This treatment method treats the area where warts are located very precisely while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
Laser treatment is preferred especially for recurrent warts, large-sized lesions and warts resistant to other treatment methods. Also, considering the sensitive anatomy of the genital area, the precision feature of laser treatment provides great advantage.
This treatment method can be performed on an outpatient basis, without requiring hospitalization. The procedure performed under local anesthesia usually takes 15-30 minutes and the patient can go home the same day.
How is Laser Genital Wart Treatment Performed?
A detailed preliminary evaluation is made before laser genital wart treatment. The patient’s medical history, medications used and possible allergic reactions are questioned. Before the procedure, the area is cleaned and sterile conditions are provided.
After the area is numbed with local anesthesia application, warts are targeted one by one with CO2 laser. The laser beam vaporizes the wart tissue layer by layer and destroys it in a controlled manner. During the procedure, smoke and odor may occur but this is normal.
After the treatment is completed, appropriate dressing is applied to the area and relevant care instructions are shared with the patient. Post-procedure pain is usually at a minimal level and can be controlled with simple pain relievers if necessary.
Things to Consider After Laser Genital Wart Treatment
Patient care in the post-treatment period is of great importance. It is recommended to keep the area dry and avoid excessive movement within the first 24-48 hours. When bathing, contact of the treated area with water should be kept to a minimum.
Slight bleeding, swelling and tenderness after the procedure should be considered normal. However, if severe pain, heavy bleeding or signs of infection develop, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Usually complete healing occurs within 1-2 weeks.
Doctor’s advice should be taken regarding returning to sexual activity. Usually it is recommended to wait until complete healing is completed. This period may vary according to individual situation but varies between an average of 2-4 weeks.
Regular check-ups during the healing process and compliance with doctor’s recommendations are critical for successful results. If necessary, treatment can be repeated or supportive treatments can be applied.
5 Most Curious Questions About Genital Warts
1-Do Genital Warts Heal by Themselves?
No, genital warts never go away on their own and must definitely be treated. This is a common misconception. Untreated warts grow rapidly, multiply and turn into cauliflower-like clusters. The risk of transmission to partners continues and the treatment process becomes much more difficult in later periods. The elimination of HPV virus from the body and the disappearance of warts are completely different processes.
2-What are the Ways of Genital Wart Transmission?
Genital warts are transmitted mostly through sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal). Also, direct contact with infected skin and genital area friction are also causes of transmission. They are not transmitted through daily activities such as toilet use, shared pools-baths, shared items and kissing. Multiple partners, weak immune system and starting sexual activity at an early age are the most important risk factors.
3-What are the Laser Genital Wart Treatment Options?
Cream treatments (imiquimod, podophyllotoxin) and surgical methods are used for Genital Wart Treatment. Laser Genital Wart Treatment is the most effective method with 85-95% success rate. Other options are cryotherapy (freezing) and electrocautery (burning) procedures. Treatment duration usually takes 2-6 weeks and requires regular follow-up for 3-6 months.
4-How Much Protection Does HPV Vaccine Provide from Genital Warts?
HPV vaccine provides 95-99% protection from genital warts and is the gold standard protection method. It is recommended for everyone between the ages of 9-45 and a total of 3 doses (0-2-6 month protocol) are applied. It is most effective when done before sexual activity begins. It is not therapeutic for existing HPV infection, only protective against other types.
5-To What Extent Does Condom Use Protect from Genital Warts?
Condom use provides partial protection from genital warts and reduces risk by 30-60% but does not provide complete protection. Since HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, the risk of transmission from genital areas not covered by condoms continues. For the best protection, HPV vaccine should be considered as primary and condom use as secondary protection. Reliable partner selection and regular health check-ups are also important.
Professional approach and modern treatment methods are of great importance in genital wart treatment. As Estepera Polyclinic, we provide our patients with the most current and effective treatment options, enabling them to achieve healthy life quality.
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