Introduction

A particular kind of sexually transmitted infection (STI) called genital warts causes warts, which are tiny growths or bumps that develop in and around the genitalia and rectum. Genital warts are caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts can be treated, but not cured. Genital warts can be transmitted to others through oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. 

There have been research claims that genital warts can also be brought on by birth control medications. Nonetheless, research has shown that using birth control pills reduces the need for barrier birth control measures like condoms. Engaging in unsafe sexual activity raises the possibility of catching or transmitting HPV from an infected individual. It is crucial to realise that HPV can spread through bodily fluids, so condoms do not offer complete protection against the virus.¹

Understanding genital warts

Genital warts impact the fluid-filled tissues in the vaginal area. They may resemble tiny pimples, of the colour of the skin. The lumps could be cauliflower-shaped. The warts are frequently too small for your eyes to see.

Genital warts can be brought on by specific genital HPV strains. Cancer can be brought on by others. Immunisations can aid in preventing the spread of some genital HPV strains.

Genital warts can cause the following symptoms:

1. Tiny, skin-hued or differently colored swellings in the vaginal area
2. A few warts close together that resemble cauliflower
3. Your vaginal area may be itchy or uncomfortable
4. leaking erotic tears

An individual who has had oral sex with an infected person may also develop genital warts in their mouth or throat.

Genital HPV infection occurs in most sexually active individuals at some point. Your risk of infection may be increased by the following factors:

1. Refusing the HPV vaccination
2. Having multiple partners or having intercourse without using a condom
3. Having contracted a sexually transmitted illness again
4. Having sex with a person whose past sexual activity is unknown to you
5. Starting a sexual life whilst still quite young
6. Being immunocompromised, either from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or medications after an organ donation²

Contraception methods and their role

Barrier methods

Condoms (Male and Female)

By avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact during intercourse, condoms can lower the risk of HPV transmission.

Limitation: condoms lessen the risk of HPV but may not eliminate the transmission because they do not cover all regions where lesions may be present. 

Diaphragms and cervical caps:

To lower the likelihood of conception, diaphragms and cervical caps are made to keep sperm from entering the uterus.

Limitation: This approach does not protect the genital areas outside of the cervix, and it doesn't prevent HPV. 

Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives do not protect against HPV; instead, they mainly prevent pregnancy by controlling ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining. 

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

These techniques, like other hormonal contraceptives, are quite successful in preventing pregnancy over the long term, but they do not offer protection against HPV.³

Treatment options for genital warts

Medical treatments

Topical medications: stimulate the immune system or eliminate wart tissue. Medications like imiquimod and podofilox can be applied directly to genital warts. Usually, these are used for minor lesions.

Genital warts can be surgically removed or destroyed by electrocautery, cryotherapy, or other methods. Whereas electrocautery utilises heat, cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts. Large or resistant warts may require surgical excision.

Natural clearance of warts:

Self-Resolution: As the body's immune system battles the virus, most genital wart instances disappear without medical intervention. The HPV virus, however, can linger in the body and perhaps cause recurrences or spread to others even after the warts go away.

Importance of HPV vaccination:

The HPV strains that cause genital warts are among the most frequent strains that cause cancer are both protected against by the Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines. Cervarix targets strains of HPV that trigger cancer, whereas Gardasil treats a wider variety of HPV types, particularly those that cause warts. It is advised that men and women get vaccinated against HPV-related illnesses.⁴

Preventing genital warts: contraceptive choices and safe sex

Certain HPV strains, such as those that cause genital warts and some malignancies, can be prevented by the HPV vaccine. There are a variety of HPV. The vaccine may shield you from more dangerous forms of HPV, even if you currently have the sort that causes genital warts.

If you engage in sexual activity, you can prevent the transmission of genital warts, HPV, and other STIs by following these precautions:

1. Use dental dams or condoms
2. Vaccinate yourself against HPV
3. Obtain regular STI testing and any necessary treatment
4. Limit the number of sexual partners you have or practice monogamy⁵

Summary

Soft growths on the genitalia and other body parts brought on by STDs or HPV are known as genital warts. With the right medicine and surgery, these growths can be healed. By practising good hygiene before and during sexual activity, these problems can be prevented. One of the most important ways to prevent genital warts is to practice good sexual hygiene to stop the transmission of STIs and their causes.