Genital warts belong to the most commonest sexually transmitted dieseases and are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus HPV 6 and HPV 11. The virus causes the formation of small warts which often multiply quickly and cover patches often in the genital and anal region in males and females. Symptoms are itching, burning and pain. Sometimes huge tumour conglomerates are formed. These are known as Condylomata gigantea.
Dependent on the size and localisation of the warts, several therapies can be applied:
- Surgical removal
- Using laser, operative curretage, electrocautery
- Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen
- Immunmodulators
- Local cytostatic agents (podophyllin) or caustic agents such as acids
- These warts often recurr so that the therapy has to be repeated often. To prevent a ping pong effect with the partner, he/she has to be treated too.
The best preventive measure against HPV infection is the use of condoms!
There is a latest vaccination against the HPV infection with no known side effects. The vaccine is called Garsdasil and works agaist HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. It protects 100% according to studies and research. It is uncertain how long the vaccine protects. The basic immunisation consists of 3 vaccinations at 0,2 and 3-4 months. It is recommended to vaccine boys and girls between the ages of 12-20 years.
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