Anal warts treatment-Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

 Anal warts also known as condyloma acuminate is a disease of genital warts caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This virus affects the internal and external regions around the anus. It first appears as tiny spots or growths, then grew larger that may cover the entire area around the anus. Usually, the virus does not cause any sort of pain or any type of discomfort to the person who is affected and they may be clueless that they got infected by anal warts. There are several options available for anal warts treatments. They are discussed below. 

What causes anal warts?

An anal wart is mostly caused when one has a sexual relationship with the person affected by Human papillomavirus (HPV). However, anal warts can also be affected without a sexual relationship i.e. it can be transmitted from skin-to-skin contact. For example, hand contact with the anal area. 

How to prevent anal warts?

You can follow the following steps to prevent anal warts

• Do not keep a sexual relationship or any type of sexual contact with a person infected with anal warts.

• Check your sexual partner for HPV or any other sexually transmitted disease (STDs), even when there are no signs or symptoms shown.

• Use protection before sex such as condoms or dental dam.

• Do not have multiple sex partners.

• Do not have anal intercourse. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of anal warts are very rare. Usually, an anal wart does not cause any kind of pain or discomfort to the person infected by anal warts. A person with anal warts may be clueless that they got infected by HPV. However, anal warts can cause itching, bleeding, mucus discharge, and a swollen lump near the anus. It first appears as tiny spots or growths, then grew larger that may cover the entire area around the anus. Anal warts can be of pink, yellow, peach, and light brown colors and can even be your skin tone.

Other than the anus, warts can also occur in other body parts.  They may occur on the vulva, vagina, or cervix of the woman. In men, they may occur on the penis, scrotum, thighs, or groin. Furthermore, warts can also develop in the throat or mouth of the person with HPV. Having oral sex or deep kissing can also lead to infection. 

Who is likely to be affected by anal warts?

Those individuals who have the following are likely to be affected by anal warts:

• Having multiple sex partners.

• Having sex at an early age.

• Having unprotected sex i.e., not using condoms before sex.

• Keeping sexual relationships or any other physical contact with the person with  Human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Having anal intercourse. 

Note:  There is also a chance of getting infected by anal warts though you may have only one sex partner. Using condoms does not provide full protection against anal warts. 

How anal warts are diagnosed?

Your doctor may visually examine your anal warts. The doctor may apply vinegar-like acetic acid to the area affected by anal warts. Applying acetic acid will turn the area white which makes it more visible to the physician. They may use an anoscope, a special tool used to examine internal warts, and also may perform a full recheck to identify any other form of genital warts in your pelvic area. 

How are anal warts treated?

Anal warts should not be left untreated as they can grow larger and multiply in size. They can also lead to anal cancer if left untreated. The following are the available treatment for anal warts:

1.  Topical medication: Topical medication usually comes in the form of a cream. If you have a very small wart that is located only on the skin around your anus then applying this cream to the affected area works the best. Only a prescription medication from a doctor should be used in your affected area. One must avoid using any kind of non-prescribed medicine for your anal or genital area. But, topical medication will not work for those who have an internal anal wart. In this case, surgery is required. 

2.  Cryotherapy: In the cryotherapy procedure, the doctor uses liquid nitrogen that will make the warts freeze. This freezing will make warts fall off.

3.  Electrocautery: In the electrocautery process, the doctor uses a special device that produces an electric current. This electric current will burn warts.

4.  Laser treatments: Laser treatment is used only in treating severe warts. In this procedure, the doctor uses a special device that transmits energy from intense light. This transmitted energy will also result in the burning of warts. 

For those who have a very severe anal wart that does not respond to any of the above-mentioned treatments than in that case, surgery is required.

Surgery treatments are the most effective and commonly used in treating severe warts that are located inside the anal canal. This type of surgery is mostly conducted as an outpatient procedure means you do not need to stay overnight at the hospital. The surgeon uses a special instrument that cuts warts off. Before the surgery, you will be given local anesthesia that will keep you stay awake without feeling any pain during the surgery. After the surgery, you will encounter pain and discomfort for a couple of days. You can take a pain reliever prescribed by your doctor to relieve the pain.