What is condyloma?

Condyloma, also known as, genital warts, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is primarily transmitted through unprotected intercourse. Genital warts are small cauliflower-like warts on the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals and anorectal area. 

How common is condyloma?

Condyloma is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections .

About 1-2% of all sexually active, have genital warts. However, it is estimated that approx. 10 times as many that, is infected with HPV. 

How do I know if I am infected?

You can be infected with HPV without developing genitals warts. It can take form weeks to months from time of infection til you develop the warts, making it difficult to determine when you were infected.

Once you have had genital warts, you might develop the warts again at a later point. In most cases, however, infected individuals only experience one episode of genital warts. 

What is the treatment for genital warts?

There are different treatment options, helping to physically remove the warts, and/or helping the immune system to fight the virus. The treatment is often extended over a long period.

• Condyline and Wartec: Home treatment in the form of liniment or a creme.
• Treatment with liquid nitrogen or trichloroacetic acid  Outpatient treatment, performed approx. once per week.
• Aldara cream: Home treatment in the form of cream.
• Laser treatment: Outpatient treatment, when the abovementioned treatments are inefficient, or if the genital warts are severely widespread.
• Clipping: If the genital warts are developed on a well-defined stalk.

HPV vaccine

There are multiple HPV subtypes, some of which are related to genital warts, others to cervical (pre)cancer, anal (pre) cancer and head and neck cancer. A vaccine has been developed to protect against the sub-types that most commonly cause genital warts and cancer. 

Risk of premalignant cervical cell changes

At the age of 23, women are normally offered screening cervical precancer every 3rd year via their general practitioner. Discuss with your general practitioner if you wish to be examined before the age of 23.

It is recommended to follow the cervical precancer screeningprogramme even though you have been HPV vaccinated, as the vaccine do not cover all the HPV types that can cause cervical precancer.

Do you need to tell your partners

Your partner might also be infected with genital warts, which is why it is important that he/she is also examined.

Infection risk

We recommend using a condom for 2-3 months after successful treatment, to avoid infecting your partner. 

Recommendations

Avoid shaving your pubic hair, as you might spread the virus. 

If you smoke we recommned you stop that, since it may help your immunasystem fight the virus.

The opening hours and location

You will find the opening hours of the clinic and the location our website at  www.bispebjerghospital.dk