In nature, there is the papilloma virus, which is the first and most important cause of genital warts. When infected, malicious cells grow on the mucous membrane while forming growths in the form of warts. These warts degenerate into cancers of the genital tract, so it is important to diagnose the disease in time and start treatment. Today we’ll talk about genital warts, photos of which are not applied for ethical reasons.
Causes
The cause of human papillomavirus infection is, first of all, unprotected sexual intercourse. This applies to genital, and anal, and oral sex. There is a chance of infection through household items, but in general this is often the exception. The reasons for an easier infection with condylomas can be reduced immunity, due to transferred infectious diseases (SARS, tonsillitis, tuberculosis), chronic fatigue, stress, climate change. Also increases the chances of getting a hormonal imbalance. Summing up, we can say that first of all you need to warn yourself against the main reason for the appearance of genital warts on the penis - unprotected intercourse. If this happens, you must carefully monitor the changes in your body and, at the first symptoms, immediately consult a doctor.
Symptoms
This unpleasant ailment causes HPV, and the peculiarity of the growths is that they form only in the intimate zone. It should be noted that the virus does not manifest itself immediately, a favorable moment is necessary for its development, therefore, at the very early stage of the disease, it may not be detected. The virus can sleep for a long time in the male body, and the resting stage can range from a month to several years. It was at this time that the risk of contracting a partner from the patient was minimal, and sex was practically safe. However, after a certain time, the very “X” hour arrives, at which the virus begins to actively develop and appears in all its glory with clearly visible and very tangible symptoms.
First, a small rash is formed on the penis that has a characteristic shape resembling cauliflower or the crest of a rooster. Such a rash has a light pink or flesh tint, so it is not possible to immediately see it, then the rashes increase in size and turn into growths. I would like to note that these growths are not formed throughout the entire penis, namely in those places where mucous membranes or thin skin were injured. In those places where condylomas appeared on the head of the penis, there is a constant burning sensation and severe itching, the patient may have problems with urination.
These neoplasms very rarely turn into a malignant form, but their danger lies in the fact that they gradually spread to the anus, to the scrotum or to the pubis. That is why when a rash appears, you should immediately contact the appropriate doctor.
Diagnostics
There are several methods for effective diagnosis:
- visual;
- biopsy;
- urethroscopy.
All this will make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Visual inspection
A visual examination, as a rule, cannot give 100% of the result, but it can confirm suspicions for further diagnosis. The doctor discovers unnatural areas, treats them with a special reagent, and the place that is painted is definitely a deviation from the norm.
Biopsy
During this procedure, a piece of tissue is nipped off and given for examination, where the cellular composition of the material is disassembled. If strain 16 or 18 is detected, this is a serious reason to immediately begin treatment, since there is a risk of degeneration of formations into cancer cells.
Urethroscopy
Urethroscopy is performed in the direction after a visual examination by a doctor. The procedure is performed using an urethroscope. This special optical device can be of two types: rear and front. The urethroscope is inserted into the urethra and allows you to carefully examine the entire urethra. Urethroscopy can also be performed by two methods:
- dry (urinary tract is filled with oxygen);
- irrigation (a clear fluid is injected into the bladder to stretch it).
In diagnosing genital warts, it is important to find a good specialist who can correctly draw up a survey plan to confirm and treat this disease.
How to treat genital warts in men?
The main directions of drug therapy are the achievement of anti-inflammatory, antiviral effect and maintenance of human immune functions. In addition, a number of ointments and gels are aimed at destroying the tissues of the genital warts of the penis, being, in fact, chemical coagulation. Among the most effective modern medicines, the following should be noted:
- "Panavir" is available in the form of a spray, gel or solution that relieves inflammation and its accompanying symptoms (itching, burning), stimulates the production of its own interferon (which helps the body fight infections), and strengthens the immune system.
- “Podophyllotoxin” and its analogues (“Podophyllox”, “Condilin”, “Condylox”, “Vertex”) inhibits the growth and development of genital warts due to substances that block cell division to condyloma, which contributes to its death.
- "Epigen Intim" has the form of a gel or spray and can be applied to the site of attachment of genital warts, can also be used for preventive purposes.
- "Imihimod" ("Imiquimod", "Ziklara", "Aldara") is a cyclic immunomodulator that activates the antiviral defense of the body.
- "Veregen" is a drug created on the basis of green tea extract with immunostimulating, antioxidant and antiviral effects. Due to its pharmacological properties, the ointment "Veregen" destroys the tissues of the condyloma, after which the growth dies and disappears.
- Solcoderm is a drug that, thanks to the presence of oxalic, nitric and acetic acids in its composition, contributes to the death of condyloma.
Due to the fact that the skin of the penis is quite sensitive and delicate, the dosage and period of use of the above drugs should be determined exclusively by the attending physician, self-medication in this case can lead to an overdose, which, in turn, is fraught with burns and inflammation.
Alternative treatment
With the defeat of genital warts, special drug therapy is mandatory. However, in practice, men, in addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor, apply folk remedies and methods to get rid of this problem. Among the most common folk methods, you can focus on the following:
- The therapeutic baths for the genitals with the addition of infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs, as well as other ingredients, such as sea salt, decoction of fir branches, horse chestnut, celandine, have a soft effect. Such procedures have a drying and disinfecting effect.
- Perhaps the most commonly used folk remedy for condyloma is garlic, which is used in the following types:
- In the form of night compresses (a clove of garlic cut in half is fixed on a condyloma at night with a patch).
- Lubricating garlic juice no more than once a day (to reduce the concentration of garlic juice, it is recommended to dilute it with some other juice, for example, apple juice). Garlic has a pronounced cauterizing effect.
- Onion compresses have a similar effect (a plate of onion infused with vinegar is applied and fixed on the penis overnight).
- A proven remedy for condylomas is lotion from various juices. For example, juice from sour apples, juice from fresh leaves of aloe, dandelion, celandine are used.
- The use of potato juice twice a day has a therapeutic effect in genital warts.
- To achieve a drying effect, lubrication of condyloma with egg white is used.
- The following recipe is popular for preventive purposes: half a small lemon is poured with 100 ml of hot red wine, 50 ml of apple juice is added grated garlic. The resulting composition is infused, filtered and consumed once a day before meals.
Laser therapy
A stream of thin laser beams is directed to the condyloma. Due to the occurrence of a thermal reaction, the neoplasm is burned. And in its place small dry scabs form. When healing the treated area, the scabs disappear by themselves, without causing pain or any other unpleasant sensations. With the correct operation, the patient fully recovers. The rehabilitation period after laser therapy is no more than 7 days.
Diathermocoagulation
Diathermocoagulation - cauterization of genital warts is carried out using a special electronic knife. The point is directed to the base of the skin growth and is removed in a natural way, due to the destruction of nutrient bonds and evaporation. The recovery period after cauterization is not more than 1 week.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a technique based on cauterization of a condyloma with liquid nitrogen. It is applied directly to the affected area and freezes it, subjecting the protein base of the tumor to destruction. After the growth finally dies, it falls off, forming a wound. The healing process lasts no more than 14 days.
Acid moxibustion
Acid moxibustion is an obsolete but effective method for removing genital warts on the penis. According to the rules of exposure, a special acid composition is applied to the affected area and bandage the organ. After some time, the bandage is removed and small genital warts are removed with it. Around the head of the penis for some time a small red crust will be clearly visible, resulting from a skin reaction to the substance. She heals very quickly, leaving no trace.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation - involves the use of an electronic knife with a metal red-hot thread. Removal occurs by hooking the condyloma and cutting it off. This method is the most cardinal, therefore, it is used only under the condition of nodal and advanced lesions.
Scalpel removal
Scalpel removal is the easiest way to remove skin lesions. Based on simple genital warts. However, it is the least popular, since after healing there are scars and scars.