Condyloma Acuminata

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Condyloma acuminata is also called genital warts. Genital warts are growths that appear in or on the penis, vagina, or anus. They are caused by a germ called human papillomavirus, or HPV. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This means that the virus is spread by skin to skin contact with someone who has genital warts. The more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to get the warts. Conditions such as HIV infection and cancer can weaken your immune system and place you at higher risk of getting genital warts. Genital warts are flat or dome-shaped, and can be pink, red, or brown in color. Warts may be small at first, and then grow larger. You may have one or more warts, which can group together. As the warts grow, the skin area may itch or burn. If the warts grow together, they may be painful.
  
  
• HPV can cause lesions (growths) inside the body as well, such as on a woman's cervix (the bottom part of the uterus). With these growths, you may have no signs or symptoms. Small genital warts may heal without treatment. If the warts grow in size or number, you may have them removed by cryotherapy (freezing) or other procedures. You may need to use medicine to help prevent the warts from getting worse. Even after treatment, the warts can come back. Treating the warts can help stop you from spreading them to others, and may help prevent cervical cancer in women. Treatment can also take away your symptoms, and help you feel better about yourself.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Immunomodulators: This medicine may help strengthen your immune system.
  
  
• Antiproliferatives: This medicine may help stop your warts from growing in size or increasing in number.
  
  
• Antivirals: This medicine works against viruses, such as HPV.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Things to know if you have genital warts:

• Do not touch or scratch the warts. This can cause the infection to spread to other parts of your body.
  
  
• Do not try to treat genital warts with medicines used to treat hand warts. This type of medicine is very strong and can burn your skin. Use only the medicine that caregivers give you to treat genital warts.
  
  
• If you use medicine that is put on your skin, such as a cream, do not have sex while using the medicine. Certain medicines that you put on your skin can weaken condoms and diaphragms. Avoid having sex, or use another form of birth control when you use these medicines.
  
  
• Women should have a Pap smear done once a year, or as often as caregivers suggest.
  
  
• Tell your caregiver if you know or think you are pregnant. Certain medicines cannot be used by pregnant women.

Preventing genital warts:

• Avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has genital warts. If you have sex, always use or have your partner use a latex condom. Use a new condom after each sexual contact.
  
  
• Get vaccinated. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (shot) is given to females 9 to 26 years old to help prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. It also helps prevent other lesions that may lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine may also be given to males 9 to 26 years old to prevent genital warts. Three doses of the HPV vaccine are usually given. The first dose is given between ages 11 and 12 years old. The second dose is given 1 to 2 months later. The third dose is given six months after the first dose. The HPV vaccine works best if the three doses are completed before you are sexually active. If any of these vaccinations are missed, they should be completed up to 26 years of age. Ask your caregiver for more information about this vaccine.
  
  
• Prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Ask your caregiver for more information about how you can stop the spread of STD.
  
  
• Tell your sexual partners that you are being treated for genital warts. They may also be infected and need treatment.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• The skin that is being treated for genital warts is very painful or swollen.
  
  
• You see or feel new warts growing on any part of your body.
  
  
• You have new signs and symptoms after starting medicine to treat genital warts.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your genital warts or your treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Condyloma Acuminata (Aftercare Instructions)