Viral Warts: Risks, Treatment, and Prevention for Women - Urology

More Info

---

When it comes to understanding viral warts, particularly those caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), it's essential to recognize the risks, treatment options, and preventive measures available, especially for women. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and certain strains can lead to the development of genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata, as well as increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Firstly, regarding your concern about your boyfriend's risk of infection after you discovered warts, it is indeed possible for him to be infected, especially if you had unprotected sexual contact. HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and many individuals may carry the virus without showing any symptoms. This means that men can be infected without visible signs or symptoms, making it challenging to determine if they have contracted the virus.

As for whether your boyfriend should get checked, it is advisable for him to consult a healthcare provider, particularly a urologist, for an evaluation. The examination may involve a physical assessment of the genital area, and in some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of HPV-related warts. However, routine HPV testing for men is not common, as there is no FDA-approved test for HPV in males. Instead, healthcare providers often rely on visual inspection and patient history.

Regarding your symptoms of itching and the presence of warts, it is possible that these are related to HPV infection. The warts you described, resembling small polyps, are characteristic of HPV-related lesions. It is also important to note that while HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, it is highly unlikely for the virus to be contracted from sitting on a contaminated toilet seat or through urine. HPV requires direct skin-to-skin contact for transmission.

You mentioned that your gynecologist recommended electrosurgery for the removal of the warts. This procedure is commonly used to treat genital warts and is generally safe. Full anesthesia is typically reserved for more extensive procedures or when the patient is particularly anxious. In your case, if the warts are extensive or if the procedure is expected to be uncomfortable, general anesthesia might be considered. After the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort, and your doctor has prescribed pain relief and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Regarding recurrence, it is important to understand that while the removal of warts can be effective, HPV can remain dormant in the body, and warts may recur in some individuals. To reduce the risk of recurrence and transmission, vaccination against HPV is highly recommended. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine can still be beneficial even if you are already infected with one or more strains, as it protects against additional strains that you may not have encountered yet. The vaccine is most effective when given before the onset of sexual activity, but it can still provide benefits for those who are older or already infected.

Lastly, regarding laser treatment versus electrosurgery, both methods are effective for wart removal. Laser treatment may be preferred in certain cases, especially for larger or more resistant warts, but it is essential to discuss the best option with your healthcare provider based on your specific situation.

In summary, it is crucial to communicate openly with your partner about HPV and its implications, seek medical advice for both of you, and consider vaccination as a preventive measure. Regular gynecological check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help in managing your overall health and immune response to infections.