The Importance of Medical and Health Care in the Management and Prevention of Genital Warts
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, caused by low-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 6 and 11. Not only is the disease physically painful and bothersome for the individual, but it can also have profound psychological effects such as anxiety, embarrassment, decreased self-confidence, and disruption of sexual and social relationships. Although genital warts rarely lead to serious complications, failure to follow appropriate medical and health care can lead to the spread of infection, frequent recurrence of lesions, transmission of the virus to sexual partners, and even an increased risk of contracting other high-risk HPV strains. This article comprehensively reviews the importance of medical and health care in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of genital warts. 1. The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Referral to a Specialist The first and most important step in managing genital warts is early dia...