|
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Venereal Warts - Brief Overview
|
|
|
|
Venereal Warts - Brief Overview
What are the signs that one has contracted HPV?
Warts are clinically apparent as flesh colored papules that erupt on the skin of the genital or perianal area. They can range in size from 1 mm in diameter to very large growths. One-third of women with external venereal warts also have internal vaginal and/or rectal warts, and, thus, need a gynecologic exam. Venereal warts usually do not have any symptoms, but can occasionally they can bleed or cause pain.
How contagious is the HPV virus?
Little is known about the transmission of HPV. Risk factors for acquiring the virus include numerous sexual partners, frequent sexual intercourse, and the presence of warts in a co infected sexual partner. Men have been found to have an increased risk developing venereal warts if they fail to wear condoms. Although condoms reduce the transmission of HPV, their use it does not eliminate it completely.
How are veneral warts treated?
As mentioned above, treatment can be a difficult process. The most effective treatment modalities include liquid nitrogen which causes inflammation and the body to control and sequester the wart virus. Other therapeutic modalities include: surgical excision, laser treatment or acid. The choice of treatment utilized should be decided by Dr. Harvey and Dr. Hardy and the patient because there are several factors such as number and size of lesions which come into play. The newest treatment option for HPV is a drug called Imiquimod (Aldara™). Imiquimod is formulated as a topical cream preparation. It is designed to stimulate one's immune system by stimulating the chemical protein known as interferon alpha, which has a negative effect on HPV. Initial studies have shown that this treatment is effective in 30% to 50% of patients. Imiquimod has been found to work better in women than in men. Please remember that many treatments are sometimes necessary for HPV control and that recurrence rate is high. Hopefully, in the near future we shall, see an effective cure. Currently, there is active research going on using an HPV vaccine.
What can one expect during HPV treatment?
Many of the modalities discussed above do cause temporary discomfort, i.e., redness, blistering, pain, can be seen. Recurrences occur most frequently during the first three months after therapy has been initiated. As previously mentioned, infected women, should have a full pelvic and cervical examination, because they have an increased risk of carcinoma of the cervix. Men should be examined for dysplasia (precancer or cancer) of the penis. Transmission of HPV during pregnancy may occur in infants who can, if mom has active disease during delivery, can acquire HPV virus in their throat and genital area without a previous history of sexual abuse.
Is HPV curable?
Unfortunately, total eradication of this virus is not possible. Approximately 10 to 30% of venereal warts spontaneously resolve within three months. Removal of viral lesions, in theory, should reduce the likelihood of viral transmission, but this has not been proven scientifically.
|
http://venerealwarts.pertinentsearch.com
|
|
Edit
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
