Genital Warts- HIV-positive patients are at a risk of infection
FROM clinical observations, genital warts are on the increase in Uganda. Medical experts blame it on the increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. Genital warts are growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease.
By Arthur Baguma
FROM clinical observations, genital warts are on the increase in Uganda. Medical experts blame it on the increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. Genital warts are growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease.
Dr Peter Kyambadde says not everyone who has the virus which causes genital warts develops the warts. He notes that although the body can contain the virus, once one’s immunity is compromised, especially if one has HIV/AIDS, one could develop the warts.
Dr. Kyambadde suggests prevention as the best remedy against genital warts. “Once one has HIV, the immunity of that person becomes weak. When your immunity is low, even the viruses you would contain become a problem.
A carrier of a virus that causes genital warts will easily develop the symptoms once they contract HIV/AIDS.â€
The virus that causes genital warts is the human papilloma virus (HPV). It causes warts on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around the anus. The HPV infection around the genitals is common although most people do not have symptoms.
However, one must be treated to avoid complications and spreading the condition to others.
Genital warts are sexually transmitted and affect both men and women.
Dr. Misaki Wayengera of Mulago Medical School says several types of the virus are associated with genital warts while other types are associated with common or flat warts elsewhere on the skin.
Research shows there are more than 70 types of HPV, some of which have been found to cause cancer of the cervix and vulva.
HPV grows well in the moist genital area. Warts on the outer genitals are easily recognised—they are raised, flesh-coloured lesions that may occur singly or in clusters.
Wayengera says if left untreated, warts may rapidly enlarge, taking on a cauliflower-like or jackfruit skin appearance.
Kyambadde adds that among women, HPV can invade the vagina and cervix. “These warts are flat and not easily visible.
This condition should be diagnosed and treated because it can lead to cancerous and precancerous changes in the cervix,†he adds.
Medical research indicates that among women, a pelvic examination may reveal growths on the vaginal walls or the cervix.
Magnification may also be used to see lesions invisible to the naked eye. The tissue of the vagina and cervix may be treated with acetic acid to make the warts visible.
Susan Storck, a professor at Clinical Teaching Faculty, University of Washington School of Medicine writes that genital warts must be treated by a doctor.
She advises women who have had genital warts, and those whose partners have ever had them, to have pap smears at least once a year.
For those with warts on the cervix, they are advised to have a pap smear every three to six months after initial treatment.
With proper treatment, genital wart outbreaks can be controlled.
However, the warts frequently re-appear even after one has been treated for HPV and one can still infect others.
See a medical professional if:
You suspect a current or past sexual partner to have genital warts.
l You have visible warts on your external genitals.
You have abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual periods) after sexual intercourse.
There is itching of the penis, scrotum, or vulva
You have increased vaginal discharge.
There is increased dampness in the area of growths.
However, keep in mind that genital warts may not appear for months to years after having sexual contact with an infected person.
Prevention
Abstinence is the only way of avoiding genital warts and other STDs.
Having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner who is disease-free.
The virus can be passed through the skin around the genitals and anus from one person to the next. Therefore, condoms cannot fully protect you. Nonetheless, condoms should still be used because they reduce one’s chances of getting or spreading STDs.
For information on where to go for testing and treatment, please visit www.newvision.co.ug
FROM clinical observations, genital warts are on the increase in Uganda. Medical experts blame it on the increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. Genital warts are growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease.
Dr Peter Kyambadde says not everyone who has the virus which causes genital warts develops the warts. He notes that although the body can contain the virus, once one’s immunity is compromised, especially if one has HIV/AIDS, one could develop the warts.
Dr. Kyambadde suggests prevention as the best remedy against genital warts. “Once one has HIV, the immunity of that person becomes weak. When your immunity is low, even the viruses you would contain become a problem.
A carrier of a virus that causes genital warts will easily develop the symptoms once they contract HIV/AIDS.â€
The virus that causes genital warts is the human papilloma virus (HPV). It causes warts on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around the anus. The HPV infection around the genitals is common although most people do not have symptoms.
However, one must be treated to avoid complications and spreading the condition to others.
Genital warts are sexually transmitted and affect both men and women.
Dr. Misaki Wayengera of Mulago Medical School says several types of the virus are associated with genital warts while other types are associated with common or flat warts elsewhere on the skin.
Research shows there are more than 70 types of HPV, some of which have been found to cause cancer of the cervix and vulva.
HPV grows well in the moist genital area. Warts on the outer genitals are easily recognised—they are raised, flesh-coloured lesions that may occur singly or in clusters.
Wayengera says if left untreated, warts may rapidly enlarge, taking on a cauliflower-like or jackfruit skin appearance.
Kyambadde adds that among women, HPV can invade the vagina and cervix. “These warts are flat and not easily visible.
This condition should be diagnosed and treated because it can lead to cancerous and precancerous changes in the cervix,†he adds.
Medical research indicates that among women, a pelvic examination may reveal growths on the vaginal walls or the cervix.
Magnification may also be used to see lesions invisible to the naked eye. The tissue of the vagina and cervix may be treated with acetic acid to make the warts visible.
Susan Storck, a professor at Clinical Teaching Faculty, University of Washington School of Medicine writes that genital warts must be treated by a doctor.
She advises women who have had genital warts, and those whose partners have ever had them, to have pap smears at least once a year.
For those with warts on the cervix, they are advised to have a pap smear every three to six months after initial treatment.
With proper treatment, genital wart outbreaks can be controlled.
However, the warts frequently re-appear even after one has been treated for HPV and one can still infect others.
See a medical professional if:
You suspect a current or past sexual partner to have genital warts.
l You have visible warts on your external genitals.
You have abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual periods) after sexual intercourse.
There is itching of the penis, scrotum, or vulva
You have increased vaginal discharge.
There is increased dampness in the area of growths.
However, keep in mind that genital warts may not appear for months to years after having sexual contact with an infected person.
Prevention
Abstinence is the only way of avoiding genital warts and other STDs.
Having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner who is disease-free.
The virus can be passed through the skin around the genitals and anus from one person to the next. Therefore, condoms cannot fully protect you. Nonetheless, condoms should still be used because they reduce one’s chances of getting or spreading STDs.
For information on where to go for testing and treatment, please visit www.newvision.co.ug