Condyloma acuminata is also known as genital warts. These warts are caused by a virus human papillomavirus (HPV) and is usually transmitted through unprotected sex.
Condyloma acuminata is a lump of flesh that resembles a cauliflower, so it is often mistaken for a tumor or cancer. But in many cases, condyloma acuminata can be small, so it is often not visible.
In addition to appearing in the genital area, these warts can also appear in the mouth or throat. This condition occurs because of transmission through oral sex.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Condyloma acuminata
Both women and men can experience condyloma acuminata, but this condition is more common in men and is most commonly found in the 17-30 year age group. Condyloma acuminata that have been left for a long time can be very large and cause discomfort because it feels lumpy.
Although rare, condyloma acuminata may cause symptoms of pain and itching, as well as bleeding during sexual intercourse.
Condyloma acuminata transmission generally occurs through sexual intercourse. However, infection with the HPV virus can occur due to the use of sex toys unhygienic. Some conditions that increase the risk of developing condyloma acuminata are:
- Be sexually active at a young age.
- Multiple sexual partners without a condom.
- Have had sex with someone whose sexual health history is unknown.
- Have had a sexually transmitted infection.
- Having a compromised immune system, for example due to HIV/AIDS or taking drugs for organ transplants.
How to treat condyloma acuminata
Although some cases go away on their own, treating condyloma acuminata as soon as the condition is discovered can relieve itching and pain, reduce the risk of spreading the HPV virus, and clear warts that don't go away.
In addition, the appearance of condyloma acuminata which is like a tumor can make sufferers worry. Removing condyloma acuminata can reassure patients that their condition is not cancer.
Below are treatments that your doctor may give to relieve condyloma acuminata:
Drugs
Some of the drugs that doctors give to treat condyloma acuminata are:
- Podophyllotoxin that is applied to warts on the outside of the genitals to stop the growth of wart cells.
- Imiquimod to boost the immune system in the fight against HPV infection.
- Herbal ointment that contains catechins, the active compounds in green tea that can fight HPV and boost the immune system.
The above medicines can be used independently at home. In addition, usually the doctor will also give trichloroacetic acid topical medication for every control. This drug is effective enough to treat condyloma acuminata. However, the application of the drug should only be done by a doctor because it requires high caution.
Operation
Warts that do not show improvement after being given topical medication can be treated with surgery. Surgical options for treating condyloma acuminata include:
- Excision, which is surgery to remove warts.
- Cryosurgery or the frozen surgical technique, which is the act of freezing genital warts with liquid nitrogen.
- Laser light therapy, which is a procedure to remove genital warts with a laser beam.
- Electrocautery or cauterization, which is a procedure to remove warts with an electric current.
Condyloma acuminata rarely causes pain and can heal well with proper treatment. Even so, this condition needs to be watched out for because HPV infection increases the risk of cervical cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer.
To prevent condyloma acuminata, it is important to avoid risky sexual behavior, such as having unprotected sex or having sex with more than one person. In addition, cervical cancer vaccination can also prevent condyloma acuminata. This vaccine can be given to both men and women.
If you suspect signs or symptoms of condyloma acuminata, immediately consult a doctor so that he can get the right diagnosis and treatment.