What is Condyloma?
Condyloma acuminatum, more commonly known as genital warts, is more frequently found amongst young adults, both men and women, but can happen to anyone who may be sexually active as it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condyloma acuminatum can also be contracted if you are an immunocompromised patient or via childbirth if the birth mother has the infection. Condyloma acuminatum originates from specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Please note, if you have tested positive for HPV, that doesn’t mean you have condyloma acuminatum.
Symptoms of Condyloma
Signs and symptoms of condyloma acuminatum can be found in the perineum, penis, perianal area, anal canal, labia and vagina. This infection will typically not intrude into the rectum. Keep your eye out for the following symptoms in these areas:
- Gray, brown or skin-colored bumps
- Itchy and painful bumps
- Flat or raised bumps
- Single bumps or a cluster of bumps
- Bleeding with intercourse
Risk Factors of Condyloma
Condyloma isn’t typically considered a serious infection, however, it can become serious if it is not seen and treated (if needed) by a doctor or provider. It’s possible, if left untreated, that this infection could spread and turn malignant into anal or cervical cancer.
Additionally, as previously mentioned, if a female with condyloma gives birth, there is a slight chance the baby could develop warts in its throat. This is a rare occurrence, but if it does happen, the baby may require surgery to keep all airways open.
Treatment for Condyloma
Treatment of condyloma will vary from patient-to-patient depending on the severity of the infection. If you’re not experiencing major discomfort then treatment may not be required, but it’s still recommended to see a provider. For condyloma cases that are itchy, swollen, bleeding or uncomfortable, the warts can be removed with medications or surgical procedures.
The most common medication that’s prescribed is a form of topical cream. There are various types of creams that can either boost the immune system to fight the warts or destroy the wart tissue. There are also medications that be applied by a doctor that chemical treat and burn off the warts. While there are over-the-counter creams that can be purchased, it is recommended to avoid these as they are not made for the genital area.
If medications aren’t the answer for your condyloma, a doctor may recommend one of the following procedures:
- Cryotherapy: freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen
- Cutting off the warts
- Laser treatment
- Use of electrical currents to burn off the warts