Are genital warts serious?

Dr Douglas Street , Contributor

Our genitals are among our most prized possessions, so when we notice unexpected changes, it usually causes a lot of concern. Minor changes, which would probably be ignored elsewhere, will cause us to seek medical advice/treatment.

As the name suggests, genital (venereal) warts erupt on the male and female genitals. Their appearance varies. They may look cauliflower-like, appear as finger-like projections, appear as raised but flattened lesions or like bumps. They may be present on head or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, the cervix, the entrance of the vagina, around the genital organ, or in/around the anus.

This wart is different from those on other parts of the body as they are sexually transmitted. In fact, there is about a 70 per cent chance of contracting the virus from having unprotected intercourse with an infected person. However, many infected persons do not show any signs of infection even though they may be contagious, and may, in fact, not do so until years after the infection.

CONTAGIOUS

It appears, though, that the infection may be spread by sharing objects that are used on the genitals, such as washrags. Genital warts are caused by human papilloma viruses and about 90 per cent of them are caused by types 6 and 11 (non-cancerous types). This, incidentally, is the same family of viruses that cause cervical cancer, but types 16 and 18 are the ones mostly responsible.

It is especially important, however, to screen for cervical cancer and STIs when genital warts are present because as the saying goes 'birds of a feather flock together'.

They are quite common, especially in young people who practise unprotected intercourse. In fact, it is thought that up to 60 per cent of them may be infected. Fortunately, the immune system may actually clear the body of the infection. It doesn't usually cause any serious complication.

When the immune system is weakened, such as by HIV infection, genital warts tend to grow and spread. Pregnancy may cause this as well. In fact, their presence around the time of delivery may necessitate a C-section.

Genital warts are incurable but there are several treatment options available to remove them. If one is suspected to have them, one should get medical advice to confirm their presence and decide on the most appropriate treatment.

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall at 3 Barnett Street in Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre at Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.