human papilloma virus is know to cause myriads of diseases including genital warts, cervical cancers, cancer of the oral cavity.
Today I would be focusing on genital wart: definition, presentation, treatment, prevention
WHAT IS GENITAL WART?: they are abnormal flesh like growth found on the genitals (sexual) organs for both males and female.
WHERE CAN IT BE FOUND? The common sites include
Males : penis, scrotum, Anus, inner thigh
Females: around the perineum ( inner and outer vagina), Anus , inner thigh .
CAUSATIVE AGENTS: It is transmitted by the Human papilloma Virus (HPV).
MODE OF TRABSMISSION: It is a sexually transmitted infections
HOW COMMON IS IT? every sexually active person is at risk of genital wart. The lifetime risk is up to 50%. Which means about half of sexually active person would have it in their life time. women are more susceptible to the complications arising from genital wart.
HOW DOES GENITAL WART PRESENT.
Not every infections with the HPV result in clinical manifestation; with a good immune system a lot of infection would not manifest with any symptoms. So does it present
- flesh-like growth: This can appear as a single growth or cluster of growths. The colour varies with the skin of the individual.
2. Itching: the itching could be mild or quite irritating
3. Pain: it is sometimes painless. If pain is present , it can range for mild to severe pain
4. Bleeding: usually contact bleeding from the site.
MODE OF TREATMENT
- Topical agents like creams can be applied
- Excision : this can be done as office procedure or a planned day case procedure. Excision is removal of the wart. The method include LASER therapy, Cryotherapy, surgical knife excision.
MODE OF PREVENTION:
Abstinence: this is almost 100% effective as the HPV is sexually transmitted
Condom : this is not as effective as abstinence, as the wart can appear in the regions without the barrier of the condom. example include the inner thigh for both men and women, scrotum. However, it is better than none. condom has the added advantages of protection against other forms of STDS and contraceptive option
Vaccination: There vaccine that can prevent the infection with HPV, hence protect against diseases caused by HPV. It should ideally be done before the first sexual intercourse. However, it is not too late between the ages of 9 years to 45 years
Good immunity: the normal human innate immune system clears off the HPV virus.
ACTION PLAN:
Visit the nearest immunization clinic to get your HPV vaccine