Genital Warts Are of Vital Importance!

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), whose name we have started to hear much more frequently in recent years and whose prevalence is increasing, is a type of virus that causes infection in and around the genital area, leading to the formation of wart-type masses called condyloma. HPV, the number one cause of cervical cancer, is actually quite dangerous for men too!

It Can Cause Penile Cancer!

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. In other words, it is transmitted by direct contact of the infected person's problematic area with the other individual's genital area or the areas around the mouth and anus.

After the virus is transmitted, it enters a long incubation period that can range from 2 months to 6 years. At the end of this period, which varies for each person, wart lesions of different sizes and numbers occur in areas such as the genital region, mouth, and anus. Sometimes these formations can progress to the groin.

The diagnosis of genital warts can be easily made through observation by an expert physician, but in some suspicious cases, biopsy and swab tests may also be required. Because condylomas can also cause penile cancers! In fact, sometimes cancers such as laryngeal (throat) and rectal cancer can also emerge. Therefore, it is very important to seek help from a urologist and start treatment as soon as these genital warts are noticed.

Multiple Partners Increase the Risk!

The main cause of HPV transmission is having multiple sexual partners. Additionally, sexual activity starting at an early age and unsafe relationships pave the way for HPV-related cancers. Condoms do not provide complete protection from HPV because viruses that have settled outside the area protected by the condom can still be transmitted to the partner through contact!

Let's Get to the Treatment...

The most preferred methods for genital warts are burning (cauterization) or freezing (cryotherapy) the warts. In these methods, the lesion is destroyed and eliminated.

• While liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide are used in the freezing process,

• Electrocautery is utilized in the burning process.

• Laser surgery is a strong alternative for getting rid of genital warts.

While these methods give pleasing results for small lesions, surgical intervention may be necessary for large lesions.

The Best Prevention Method is Vaccination

However, I must underline this; condyloma treatment eliminates the lesions but does not end the presence of the virus in the body. In other words, even though the person's contagiousness has decreased, there is always a possibility of recurrence. Therefore, our priority must be prevention.

The most effective way to protect against HPV is to get the HPV vaccine with the onset of puberty. In addition to this, if genital warts are present, it is important to abstain from sexual intercourse, avoid having multiple partners, and ensure a safe sexual life. Because a moment of negligence can cause you to contract a virus that you will deal with for a lifetime, or even worse, cause you to fall into the middle of a danger spiral extending to cancer.