Overview
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 6 and 11. They appear as small growths or bumps on the genital or anal area and are usually non-cancerous. Although they are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort, itching, and psychological stress. South Korea offers advanced diagnosis and treatment options to manage and remove warts effectively.
What are Genital Warts?
Genital warts are soft, fleshy growths caused by HPV infection. They can vary in size and may appear as single or clustered bumps. While often painless, they may cause irritation, bleeding, or itching. Persistent HPV infections are associated with an increased risk of cervical and other genital cancers, emphasizing the importance of medical care.
Symptoms
- Small, flesh-colored or gray growths on the genitals, anus, or urethra
- Clusters of warts forming a cauliflower-like appearance
- Itching, burning, or discomfort in the affected area
- Bleeding during sexual activity
- Rarely, warts can appear inside the vagina, cervix, or anus
Causes
- Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily types 6 and 11
- Sexual contact with an infected partner
- Skin-to-skin contact in the genital area
- Weakened immune system can increase susceptibility
Risk Factors
- Multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex
- Early age at first sexual activity
- Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV infection)
- Smoking
- History of other STIs
Complications
- Psychological stress or embarrassment
- Recurrence of warts after treatment
- Rarely, persistent HPV infection can lead to cervical, penile, or anal cancer
- Transmission to sexual partners
Prevention
- HPV vaccination (available in South Korea for adolescents and adults)
- Consistent use of condoms during sexual activity
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Regular cervical screening for women (Pap smear)
- Avoiding sexual contact with individuals known to have warts
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides comprehensive management for genital warts with both medical and procedural interventions:
- Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a gynecologist, urologist, or dermatologist
- HPV testing for at-risk individuals or persistent lesions
- Biopsy if lesions appear atypical
- Medications
- Topical treatments like Podophyllotoxin, Imiquimod, or Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
- Antiviral therapies for specific cases
- Procedural Treatments
- Cryotherapy (freezing warts with liquid nitrogen)
- Electrocautery (burning warts with electric current)
- Laser therapy for extensive lesions
- Surgical excision in resistant cases
- Specialist Care
- Available in major hospitals and STI clinics such as Severance Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and Asan Medical Center
- Counseling and follow-up care to reduce recurrence
- Follow-Up and Lifestyle Management
- Regular monitoring for recurrence
- Safe sexual practices to prevent reinfection
- HPV vaccination for prevention of future infections
