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Condylomata Acuminata and Diabetes

Condylomata Acuminata is also known as penile warts, venereal warts, human papilloma virus (HPV), and Condyloma.

Definition of Condylomata Acuminata

Condylomata Acuminata is a viral skin condition whose main characteristic is a soft wart-like growth that appears on the genitals. In adults, it is classified as a sexually transmitted disease, but in children, the virus is believed to be capable of appearing even when no sexual contact has occurred.

Causes and risks of Condylomata Acuminata

The human papilloma virus (PPV) causes genital warts, which appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Being infected with HPV in the genital and anal regions can result in warts on other areas including the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and the perianal areas.

There are more than seventy currently identified types of HPV already classified. Several of these, including six, eleven, and forty-two, are believed to be associated with raised and rough genital warts that are easily visible especially in females). A few of the others are associated with flat warts, but more importantly, nine of the other classified types are associated with pre-malignant and malignant changes in the cervix. According to research hat has been conducted, when both HPV and herpes virus are present, it indicates that cervical cancer is a risk factor for the patient.

It is easy to recognize lesions on the external genital areas. Compared to those appearing on the female genitalia or around the anus of men or women, genital warts on the penis are drier and lesser in number, however, they grow best in the moist genital area. These genital warts are raised, rough, flesh-colored “warty” appearing tumors, and they may occur singly or in clusters. If warts around the anus and vulva are left untreated, they may enlarge rapidly and appear to look like a cauliflower. Because the warts usually are of a damp nature, it may prove quite difficult to keep the area dry.

In women, HPV is able to infect both the vaginal and cervical areas, but unfortunately, these warts are flat and cannot be easily seen without the use of special procedures. It is important for HPV to be diagnosed and treated promptly because it can lead to pre-cancerous cervical changes.. Although HPV infection is not uncommon, most people exhibit no symptoms. Several studies were done on women of college age, and in those studies, it was discovered that almost 50% were positive for HPV although only 1 – 2% had noticeable warts and less than 10% had ever had any noticeable genital warts. Although the frequency of genital warts seems to be on the increase, this could be because of the increase in diagnostic capability and awareness.

Removing the following risk factors can lower your chances of contracting genital warts:
Having sex with multiple partners
Having sex with a partner whose sexual health is unknown
Beginning sexual activity at too young an age
The use of tobacco
The nutritional status of the person
Conditions that affect the hormone balance
Age
Stress
Recurrent viral infections (HIV, flu, Epstein-Barr and herpes)

Prevention from Condylomata Acuminata

Next to abstinence, the only practical way to prevent venereal warts is to be involved in a monogamous relationship with a sexual partner who is known to be free of disease. This is true of any sexually transmitted disease as well. Something to keep in mind when considering your choices is that research by the American Cancer Society and the Center for Disease Control have documentation that shows condoms cannot protect against HPV infection because it is able to be transmitted through any skin contact and with infected areas of the body not covered by a condom.

Symptoms (Documented by footnote)

Raised “warty” appearing tumors on the genitals
Raised flesh-colored lesions
Genital lesions
Genital sores (female)
Genital sores (male)
Anal warts
Cauliflower-like appearing growths around the anus or female genitalia
Increased dampness or moisture in the area of the growths
Itching of the penis, scrotum, anal area, or a vulvar itch
Increased vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
Note: Frequently no symptoms are noted.

Treatment for Condylomata Acuminata

Intron A Therapy is the most common treatment, but your doctor may also recommend one of the following additionally:

Topical treatments such as trichloroacetic acid, podophyllum, and liquid nitrogen to destroy the lesions

Surgical treatments such as cryosurgery, electrocauterization, laser therapy, or surgical excision.

Examination of sexual partners by a health care provider and treatment if warts are noted A follow-up examination every few weeks after initial treatment, and then the initiation of self-examination.

Pap smears every six months for women who have a history of genital warts as well as women who are sexual partners of men who have a history of genital warts.