It is one of the last things a woman wants to hear during a gynecological examination – dreaded vaginal warts – an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Sounds pretty scary, but this virus is actually responsible for more than 100 related conditions, including the common warts that decorate the fingers of young children. Vaginal warts are benign tumors of the epidermis that are usually detected during a pap smear. Sometimes they feel noticeably hard and bumpy, while other times they're quite small.
A few common symptoms associated with vaginal warts include a physical presence on the outer vagina, frequent outbreaks of yeast infection, and trichomoniasis – an infection caused by a protozoan parasite that often brings about vaginal discharge, odor, and painful urination. Vaginal warts may attack the cervix, opening to the womb (uterus), the vulva, and the interior and exterior of the vagina.
While the majority of women overcome their HPV infections with no other health complications, some may even develop a natural immunity against various kinds of HPVs. However, some cases lead to cervical cancer, pre-cancerous abnormal cell patterns, and long-term HPV infections – all of which possess unknown reasons behind their occurrence.
Getting Rid of Vaginal Warts
As soon as a woman learns they have vaginal warts, the next line of action is to find a suitable treatment. A doctor can eliminate an outbreak of warts using a wide range of medications or surgical procedures (when needed). Sadly, the virus behind the warts will never disappear and even after treatment – there is a chance that vaginal warts may return. Common treatments include:
Medications
Applying medicine directly to the skin can clear up genital warts, such as:
- Imiquimod (Aldara): With this cream, your immune system will receive a boost – allowing you to better combat your vaginal warts. While using this method, you should avoid sexual contact as the cream can weaken the effectiveness of condoms and diaphragms, as well as irritate the skin of your partner.
- Podofilox (Condylox): This approach works towards destroying vaginal wart tissue. Your doctor will most likely administer the first application. When using this method, it is important to keep in mind that surrounding skin may suffer irritation if certain precautions are not followed.
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): A doctor always applies this treatment, which is used to literally 'burn off' genital warts.
A word to the wise – vaginal warts cannot be treated with the use of over-the-corner remedies, as they are not designed to accommodate the moist tissues found in the genital region. Keep in mind that these kinds of medications will only worsen your pain and discomfort.
Surgery
If you possess larger warts or your warts are resistant to medication – surgery is the next reliable method of removal to consider. This is also the best way for pregnant women to cure their symptoms and lessen the risk of exposure to their newborn baby during labor. Surgery options include:
- Cryotherapy: A doctor can use liquid nitrogen to freeze warts. A blister forms on the surface – allowing the skin to heal. Lesions fall off as a result and new skin emerges. It is not uncommon to require repeated cryotherapy treatments.
- Electrocautery: Electrical currents are used in this procedure, which burns away warts.
- Surgical Excision: Sometimes, special tools are needed to cut off warts, which require the use of local anesthesia.
- Laser Treatments: A powerful beam of light is usually seen as a last resort for hard-to-treat warts, which is considered one of the most expensive treatments to consider.
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