Genital Warts



Posted: Saturday, October 30, 2010

by John Laurusonis
Doctors Medical Center

Genital warts or condyloma acuminatum appear to infect about 1 million of the 300 million Americans per year. Out of the approximately 100 identified human papilloma virus that causes warts, about 30 are capable of invading the genital area. Most are a benign anxiety-causing nuisance. A few, such as Types 16 and 18 are the apparent cause of female cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be devastating and cause infertility and even death. They can cause cancers in other areas of the female genital tract, but rarely in and on the male genitals. There is a new vaccine which results in immunity to papilloma viruses 6, 11, 16, and 18. The vaccine is given to girls/women between the ages of 9 and 23. It is effective in preventing cervical cancer . It is being tested for older women. It is now approved for young males as well.

Warts are basically standard appearing skin pathology. They are usually flat, mildly elevated, and fleshy. They are cauliflower-like in general surface appearance. They can be a millimeter in size, or grow together in patches of several centimeters. They must be searched for very carefully by a physician. They usually do not hurt, but may become uncomfortable, irritated, or bleed after trauma, like sexual activity. They can be virtually invisible within the vagina or cervix, or in the male urethra, and may need special techniques such as the gynecologic exam or magnifying scopes to see and diagnose. Genital or venereal warts usually do not spread to other parts of the body, but often can involve the anal area.

The best treatment is prevention or Abstinence. Use of a condom seems to somewhat inhibit its spread beyond its skin barrier effect. Meticulous care must be used not to contaminate the area before, during, and after sex. Shower and use plenty of soap, repeating this process after any sexual activity as soon as possible. Abstinence until marriage is the best way for people not to end up with venereal warts. Like other STD's, the more sexual partners there are, the more the risk of contracting genital warts.

There are several ways genital warts can be treated. Two prescription creams can be used at home under a physician's supervision. This usually only work's on very small and new genital warts. In the office, they can be removed by minor surgery under a local anesthetic--the most effective way to treat warts. They tend to return in a year, depending on how they are treated. If not completely disposed of at one time, they will usually return. Sometimes, several surgeries done close together may be required along with a recheck in a few weeks to be sure that every fragment is completely gone forever. They can be frozen, cauterized with electrodessication, or have a caustic chemical applied to them. In severe cases, the very expensive alpha-interferon can be injected directly into the lesion. An ablative laser works very well, and is done under regional or general anesthesia.

Here's what you can do:

1. Practice sexual discretion and hygiene. Realize this virus is really out there. Use a condom if sexual activity is chosen.

2. Have your physician check you if warts appear around the genital or anal areas.

3. Discuss treatment options with your physician.

4. Use at-home meds exactly as instructed; report adverse effects to your physician.

5. If you are between ages 9 and 23, consider the new immunization.

6. Have your annual gynecology exam.

7. If you contract genital warts, recommend an exam for your partner

John Drew Laurusonis

Doctors Medical Center

www.doctorsmedicalctr.com
Dr. Laurusonis was conferred his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1983 and has been actively taking care of patients since completing his Internal Medicine residency in 1987 in the Garden State of New Jersey. Dr. Laurusonis has been licensed in four states but ultimately chose to permanently relocate to Georgia with his family and begin a private practice.

He has expanded his practice to include many cosmetic therapies that have previously been treated with painful and extensive plastic surgery. He has been invited to the White House numerous times, has been named Physician of the Year, as seen in the Wall Street Journal, and has served as Honorary Co-Chairman on the Congressional Physicians Advisory Board

John Drew Laurusonis, MD

Doctors Medical Center

3455 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

Suite 110

Duluth, GA 30096

770-232-1101

www.doctorsmedicalctr.com

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