Genital warts, commonly known as condyloma acuminata, are also referred to as venereal warts, genital warts, papillomas, or sexually transmitted disease warts. They are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and result in a type of epidermal tumor-like proliferation. Data from after liberation to recent years shows that the incidence of genital warts in our country has been increasing. On a global scale, human papillomavirus infections in the genital tract are also very prevalent. Medical research indicates that 15 types of human papillomavirus are associated with genital warts, among which types 16, 18, 31, and 39 are related to the occurrence of cervical cancer, thus warranting attention.
The incubation period for genital warts is between three weeks to eight months, averaging three months. It is more common in sexually active young and middle-aged men and women, with a peak incidence age of 20-25 years. Patients with an average course of disease lasting 3-5 months develop symptoms soon after sexual contact, while male patients with an average course of 12 months may have sexual contacts who do not develop symptoms. Most patients generally have no symptoms. The size and shape of the lesions vary. There can be just a few or many pinhead-sized lesions. In the perianal area, they can grow into large tumor-like masses, causing a feeling of pressure; there may be a foul odor; sometimes small warts can cause itching and discomfort in the genital area, with female patients possibly experiencing hematuria and difficulty urinating. Anal condyloma acuminata can cause pain and bleeding, while large anal warts can lead to tenesmus.
In male patients, it commonly occurs on the frenulum, coronal sulcus, prepuce, urethra, penis, around the anus, and scrotum. In females, it commonly occurs on the vulva, vagina, cervix, and perianal area, often affecting two areas simultaneously. Clinical infection refers to lesions that cannot be identified by the naked eye, but applying a 3%-5% acetic acid solution locally or soaking for 5-10 minutes can cause whitening in the HPV-infected area, known as the "acetic acid white phenomenon."