Genital warts develop as a result of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV virus is transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse, but can also spread through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, condom use reduces the risk of transmission but does not provide complete protection.

In both men and women, genital warts most commonly appear on the external genital organs or around the anus. Less commonly, warts may also be found inside the vagina or on the cervix. Warts can be so small that they are only detectable under a microscope, or they may appear as large clusters. Genital warts often cause symptoms such as itching or burning.

How Does HPV Cause Warts?

HPV is a highly contagious virus and can be transmitted even without full sexual intercourse, simply through contact between genital areas. There are over 100 types of HPV, and about 40 of these can affect the genital area. HPV types are named with numbers such as 1, 2, 3, etc. While many types of HPV can cause genital warts, about 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

Not every woman who carries the HPV virus will develop warts; the virus can remain in the body without causing any symptoms and may disappear on its own. The time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of warts can vary greatly, from weeks to months, but lesions typically appear 2-3 months after infection.

Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. However, types 6 and 11 do not cause cervical cancer; they are considered non-oncogenic. In contrast, types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58 are highly oncogenic and have a greater potential to cause cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are found in nearly half of all cases of penile cancer in men. Women diagnosed with genital warts should also have their vagina and cervix examined and undergo a Pap smear, as warts can rarely be found in these areas as well.

The most effective way to prevent HPV infection is to limit the number of sexual partners. If there is more than one partner, using condoms is the best way to reduce the risk of warts. However, warts can occur in areas not covered by condoms, so condoms are not always fully protective. Washing the genital area after sex does not protect against HPV.

HPV can also cause similar wart lesions on the penis and other areas in men. The absence of visible warts in a man does not mean he is not carrying the virus, and the same applies to women. Therefore, a woman can contract HPV from a partner who has no visible warts or lesions.

Is Vaginal Delivery Possible with Genital Warts During Pregnancy?

If warts are large enough to block the birth canal or are likely to bleed during delivery, cesarean section is preferred. If the warts are small and few in number, there is a very low risk of transmission to the baby, which could result in a condition called juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis. This condition is extremely rare and can occur after both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.

The presence of genital warts during pregnancy should always be reported to a physician, and the mode of delivery will be determined after examination. Sometimes, what appears to be a wart may be another type of tissue change, so examination and sometimes biopsy are necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Does the HPV Vaccine Prevent Wart Formation?

Although the HPV vaccine is primarily used to prevent and reduce cervical cancer, it also provides protection against genital warts. The same vaccine, when administered to men, also helps prevent warts.

What Factors Affect the Price of Genital Wart Treatment?

Considering there are nearly 40 types of HPV that can affect the genital area, treatment is important for maintaining an active sexual life. Since genital warts can be transmitted even through contact, treatment is essential. The main factor affecting the price of genital wart treatment is the treatment method to be used.

HPV vaccination is a cost-effective option, but in some cases, the vaccine may not be sufficient. In such cases, the treatment method will determine the cost. Another important factor is the hospital. The quality of services provided by the hospital is one of the most significant factors affecting treatment prices. The hospitals service and pricing policies will directly impact the amount you need to pay. For a clear answer to the question what affects the price of genital wart treatment, you should make an appointment and consult with a physician.

Genital Wart Treatment Prices in Izmir

Genital wart treatment can be performed with confidence at most hospitals in Izmir. Vaccination, which is available in almost every hospital, is an important step in genital wart treatment. Genital warts can also be removed easily under local anesthesia in a doctors private office.

Cervical cancer and, although less documented, penile cancer vaccines are essential for those carrying the HPV virus. These vaccines, used in the treatment of both cervical and penile cancer, are only available in private hospitals or doctors offices, as public hospitals do not provide them. There is no known public program for these vaccines.

The number of hospitals and doctors offices offering genital wart treatment in the Izmir region is quite high, and you can receive treatment at almost all private and public hospitals. If left untreated, this disease, which can be transmitted even through contact, is known to cause cancer in some cases. You can contact the nearest hospital or the doctors office where you plan to have the procedure to get detailed information about the treatment process and even start treatment immediately.

Is Genital Wart Treatment Covered by Public Hospitals?

Genital wart treatment can be performed in public hospitals if facilities are available. However, the cost of the vaccine is not covered by the state and is only available in private centers. Some countries offer this vaccine to women at certain intervals, and in Australia, even men are included in the vaccination program. In our country, it is not yet known whether the SGK (Social Security Institution) has any program regarding this vaccine.

Genital Wart Treatment Prices in Private Hospitals

For the prevention of genital warts and cancer in the treatment of HPV infection, 2 or 3 doses of the HPV vaccine, depending on age, are generally sufficient except in mandatory cases. Since the treatment process is not covered by SGK or private health insurance, patients may face higher costs. Of course, many factors affect the price, with the hospitals pricing policy and the quality of service being the most important. For more detailed information, it is important to make an appointment and consult the hospital.