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Condylomata Acuminata - Genital Warts caused by HPV InfectionVeneral Warts Infection, How it is Transmitted, Symptoms and Treatment. Condylomata acuminata, also known as genital or venereal warts, is considered as the most common sexually transmitted disease or STD in the United States, and possibly, worldwide. It is estimated that 10 out 1,000 Americans have genital warts each year, raising the alarm for better management of the disease. It has been reported that the highest prevalence and risk of genital warts is seen in young adults, most especially during the third decade of life. In the recent years, changes in sexual behavior of among young men and women have caused the increased prevalence rate of genital warts in older teenagers. Research reveals that the prevalence of condyloma acuminata is greatest in persons aged 17 to 33 years. The incidence peaks in individuals aged 20 to 24 years. Males and females are equally susceptible to this infection; however, in one study, it was revealed that women comprise 67% of patients with this STD type. Although women are more commonly affected, most do not have symptoms associated to condylomata acuminata. The clinical manifestations are more evident in men. Causative Agent of Genital Warts Condyloma acuminata is caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. To date, more than 100 types of HPV have been isolated in humans. Researchers believe that approximately 90% of genital warts are related to HPV types 6 and 11. These two strains are the least likely to cause cervical cancer. The risk for cancer is high with HPV infection types 16 and 18. Because this virus is associated to cancer, it is recommended to have an annual Papanicolaou test, otherwise known as Pap smear. Condylomata acuminata transmission and disease development Genital warts are mainly transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. Having vaginal, oral or anal sexual intercourse with an infected partner is the most common route of transmission. Thus, the risk for condylomata acuminata infection increases with multiple sexual partners and promiscuous sexual behaviors. The virus is also spread through direct contact with an infected person's genital skin, mucus membrane or body fluids. In general, two thirds of individuals who had sex with an infected partner will develop the genital warts. Once the virus is able to penetrate through the skin, mucosal microabrasions begin to develop. During the latent phase, typically, there are no signs or symptoms indicating the occurrence of HPV infection. This phase may last from a month to several years. This is the most probable reason why genital warts are the leading STD in the country. Since infected persons are not aware of their condition, they continue to have unprotected sex with their partners, unknowingly spreading the disease. Additionally, because of the lapse of time between exposure to the virus and the eruption of the genital warts, it is often impossible to know from whom the infection was transmitted. In both sexes, genital warts affect the perineum, or the area between the anus and scrotum in males and between the anus and the labial opening of the vagina in females. The vagina and cervix are the usual sites affected by venereal warts. Oral sex with an infected person could bring about mucosal lesions in the back of the throat, voicebox, trachea, tongue and lips. Also, the sexually transmitted l warts may be found around or inside the anal canal. It is also a common occurrence that patients display multiple HPV warts in different sites of the body. Symptoms Most women with genital warts do not have symptoms at all, most especially during the early stages of the infection. However, once they do, the chief complaint would usually include painless bumps, itching or abnormal vaginal discharge. Typically, the involvement of more than one area is reported by and found in infected females. Also, multiple lesions, rather than one isolated wart, are frequently observed. The warts may appear pearly, fungating, cauliflower - like or plaque - like. They can be quite smooth and flat or raised with a rough texture. The color may also vary. Some warts may have the same color as the surrounding skin, whereas others appear pink to red. Hyperpimentation of the warts has also been observed. Lesions may spontaneously regress without treatment, remain the same or progress. Progressive warts start as tiny papular lesions (small bumps - typical size) and can grow until they become pedunculated with a cauliflower - like mass (not usually seen this large). Once they become infected, the venereal warts become malodorous (foul smell). Vaginal bleeding after sex or during pregnancy has also been noted by some women. During pregnancy or immunosuppression, the dormant virus is more likely to become active, resulting in condylomata eruptions. Diagnosis Condylomata acuminata is very easily diagnosed by your physician, by just looking at the bump. Sometimes a biopsy is required to make sure the bump is not a cancerous process. Biopsy is not done in most women with genital warts. However, there are cases when the procedure is necessary. Treatment The treatment regimen of uncomplicated genital warts includes direct application of topical medications for several weeks. There are two types of drug therapies prescribed to treat veneral warts: cytodestructive therapies and immune - mediated therapies. Cytodestructive therapies, such as podophyllin, podophylltoxin, biochloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, are those that destroy the wart tissue. Immune - mediated therapies assist the immune system in destroying and clearing the warts. Examples are imiquimod cream and interferon. It is important to consult your physician before taking anything. Some of these medications may only be administered by physicians and are contraindicated for pregnant women. If you do not respond to treatment and if the areas have demonstrated some precancerous growth, a minor surgical procedure is needed. The warts are can be destroyed by cryosurgery, where they are frozen using the chemical nitrous oxide or liquid nitrogen, or by electrocautery, where the warts are burned by an electric cautery. The warts may be removed or excised by surgically cutting them out. For multiple warts affecting a large area, a light energy produced by lasers may be used. When the energy is absorbed by water within the warts, it would lead to their destruction. After the treatment, you will be asked to visit your doctor at regular intervals for examination. Disappearance of warts does not mean that HPV has been totally eradicated, thus, it is likely that it may recur. Prevention Gardasil ®, an HPV vaccine could efficiently protect you from HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18, preventing the development of genital warts and cervical cancer. You should ask your physician about it. The best prevention against condylomata acuminata is abstinence from sex. Of course this is not attainable, so the best next thing is to use condoms during sexual intercourse. Although condoms do not guarantee total protection from the virus, it is better using one than none at all. It is also advised to have your partner treated for genital warts to prevent reinfection. Getting to know the sexual history of your partner is also recommended to protect yourself from HPV. Read About other Women's Health Concerns Read About Chlamydia Infections Read About Herpes Genitalis cause by hepres simplex virus - HSV Read About Human Papillomavirus or HPV Vaccines
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