VAGINAL WART

Vaginal warts are small growths that appear in the vaginal area due to a type of virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

The main cause of vaginal warts is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 300 different types of HPV in nature, and about 40 of them can cause infections in the genital area. Vaginal warts typically appear about 2-3 months after the HPV virus enters the skin.

Some types of HPV, particularly types 6 and 11, can cause the formation of vaginal warts. These types are usually harmless. However, in some individuals, these types can coexist with high-risk HPV types, which can lead to serious health problems.

Vaginal warts usually appear as raised lesions on the skin and often cause itching. They may sometimes be noticed during hair removal as they can be easily irritated and may bleed.

Vaginal warts typically appear as skin-colored or whitish growths resembling skin tags. They can be single or multiple in number. Sometimes, they may have a cauliflower-like appearance, or they may simply cause a color change in the skin, appearing brown or white.

The diagnosis of vaginal warts can be made through an examination performed by a specialized doctor. If the doctor is uncertain about the diagnosis, a sample of the skin can be taken for HPV DNA testing. This test can detect the presence of the HPV virus and determine its specific type.

The treatment of vaginal warts may vary depending on their size, number, and location. The appropriate treatment method is determined by a specialized doctor.

The removal of warts does not mean the complete elimination of the HPV infection. After the warts are treated, precautions should be taken to eliminate the HPV from the body. These measures may include HPV vaccination, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping track of the vaccination status of sexual partners.

With effective treatment, the risk of recurrence for warts is around 10%. However, without following the preventive measures recommended by a doctor, the risk of recurrence can increase up to 35%.

The removal of warts does not mean the treatment of HPV infection. After the warts are removed, precautions should be taken to eliminate HPV from the body. These measures include HPV vaccination, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and monitoring the vaccination status of sexual partners. Regular check-ups should not be skipped.

With effective treatment, the risk of recurrence for warts is around 10%. However, without following the preventive measures recommended by a doctor, the risk of recurrence can increase up to 35%.

After vaginal wart treatment, you will be called for follow-up appointments at intervals determined by the doctor. It is important to detect any unseen warts early during these check-ups. It is crucial not to skip these appointments because a small wart that may reappear without proper monitoring can restart the treatment process.

Vaginal warts are mainly transmitted through sexual contact. It is not necessary to have full sexual intercourse for transmission to occur; skin-to-skin contact is enough. Additionally, transmission from the genital area to the mouth, from the mouth to the genital area, and from hands to the genital area can also occur.

In recent years, it has been recognized that HPV can be transmitted through non-sexual routes. Transmission has been reported through shared razors and waxing, eyebrow threading, and even tattoos performed under unhygienic conditions. Additionally, there is a risk of HPV transmission during gynecological examinations, even with proper hygiene practices.

The most important step in preventing vaginal warts is getting the HPV vaccine. It is recommended for both boys and girls starting from the age of 9. The optimal age for vaccination is 11. Additionally, practicing monogamy and using condoms during sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of vaginal wart transmission. Applying methods like shaving or depilatory creams that irritate the skin right before sexual activity can increase the risk of virus transmission.

The HPV vaccine prevents vaginal warts. It is recommended to vaccinate both boys and girls starting from the age of 9. The HPV vaccine, administered in two doses, prevents not only cervical cancer but also vulvar, vaginal, and wart infections.

The relationship between vaginal warts and cervical cancer is similar to the relationship between smoking and lung cancer. Just as not every smoker develops lung cancer, not every HPV infection leads to cancer. However, an HPV infection increases the risk.

Vaginal warts are typically caused by low-risk HPV types, such as HPV 6 and HPV 11. These types are generally not associated with cancer. However, high-risk HPV types can coexist with low-risk types in about 12% of cases. These high-risk types can cause changes (dysplasia) in cervical cells and, over time, uncontrolled cell growth leading to cancer.

During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the size and number of warts can increase. They can also grow large enough to obstruct the birth canal, which can lead to complications during childbirth. If the warts block the birth canal, a cesarean section may be necessary. Additionally, there is a risk of transmitting the warts to the baby. During childbirth, the mother can pass HPV, which is causing the vaginal warts, to the baby. This can rarely result in a condition called "laryngeal papillomatosis" in infants. In this condition, warts form in the baby's windpipe and vocal cords, potentially causing serious respiratory problems. However, this is a rare occurrence, and many women with vaginal warts can have a normal vaginal delivery. If you have vaginal warts during pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the safest delivery options with you, typically based on the size, number, and location of the warts.

Generally, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse during the treatment process and afterward to reduce the risk of viral spread. HPV is highly transmissible through sexual contact, and even condom use does not provide complete protection as the virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. During the period when warts are being treated, it is assumed that the virus is active and the risk of transmission is high. Therefore, it is generally advised to abstain from sexual activity during the treatment process and immediately after. Additionally, it is important to inform sexual partners about HPV and vaginal warts and encourage them to consider HPV vaccination.

You can seek help from our Wart Treatment Center in Silivri, where specialized Doctor Eser Ağar provides expertise in HPV and wart treatment. At our center, we offer the most effective method for vaginal wart treatment, which is fractional laser. You can receive wart treatment and HPV vaccination at our center, as well as undergo regular check-ups. Even if you forget your vaccination schedule and regular check-ups, we will keep track of them and provide reminders through phone calls.

The prices of vaginal wart treatment vary depending on the extent, size, and anesthesia required for the treatment. Our treatment fees are transparent. You can contact us at 0505 260 72 38 and 0 850 490 14 78 to get information about the treatment process and prices from our specialized staff.