Genital warts and trichomoniasis: Don't let these conditions interfere with your sexual happiness.

Don't let ailments interfere with your sexual happiness.

Venereal diseases are caused by a beautiful bacterium, which embodies the essence of thousands of years of human history and culture.

In ancient my country, those afflicted with venereal diseases were typically wealthy, noble, or renowned scholars. Therefore, venereal disease was considered a "glorious" disease of the rich, a symbol of status and wealth. Scholars frequenting brothels was a refined tradition. On the banks of the Qinhuai River in the late Ming Dynasty, amidst the swaying lights and reflections of oars, the once ambitious members of the Fushe Society, playing their zithers under the moon, lay in the gentle embrace of venereal diseases, unable to extricate themselves.

The origin of the term "venereal disease" (or "syphilis") can be traced back to a line from Li Bai's poem: "Once in Chang'an, I was drunk on venereal diseases, sharing wine with nobles and powerful officials." The ancient texts refer to this condition as "the affliction of Sima Xiangru" and "the illness of Fan Zeng." Initially, the affliction causes emaciation, dry mouth, and thirst, hence its alternative name, "the disease of thirst." Before the 15th century in China, gonorrhea was the only form of venereal disease, which was relatively easy to cure, and many famous medical books contained remedies. It wasn't until the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, when Western merchants introduced syphilis, that venereal diseases became a source of great fear. Besides the well-known gonorrhea and syphilis, there are several other types of venereal diseases, such as genital warts, trichomoniasis, and pubic lice.

I. Genital warts

This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a DNA virus with a particle diameter of 50-55 nm. It primarily infects epithelial cells, with humans being the only known host; tissue culture has not yet been successful. At least 28 types of HPV are currently known. Clinically, the type of virus is associated with causing certain different types of warts, among which HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 can be sexually transmitted and cause genital warts. Common clinical symptoms include cauliflower-like growths, frequently appearing on the genitals and anus.

Genital warts initially appear as small, pale red or dirty red growths, resembling papules, nipples, cauliflower, or cockscomb shapes. They are delicate, slightly pointed at the tip, and painless and non-itchy, gradually growing larger or increasing in number. The base of the growths is slightly broad or has a stalk, the surface is granular, moist, or bleeding, and pus often accumulates between the granules, emitting a foul odor. Secondary suppuration can occur after scratching. Genital warts located in drier areas with lower humidity are often small and flat; warts located in warm, moist areas often appear as filiform or papillomatous growths, easily merging into large masses.

Genital warts are transmitted through direct contact with exposed wounds of an infected person, usually via sexual intercourse. Condoms do not provide adequate protection because they do not cover all infected areas. Even contact with items that an infected person has touched can lead to infection. Warts in the mouth and throat are occasionally seen clinically, and these patients often have a history of oral sex.

How can patients with genital warts alleviate symptoms and avoid infecting their sexual partners?

1. Keep the genitals clean and dry.

2. Do not use scented soaps or bath oils, as these may irritate the affected area.

3. Condoms can reduce the chance of transmission, but if the infection occurs in other parts of the body, such as the scrotum, condoms cannot provide protection.

4. It is recommended that women with regular sexual partners undergo cervical cancer screenings regularly, which can reduce the risk of serious long-term consequences.

5. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and boosting immunity, can reduce the chance of recurrence.

Currently, the treatment of genital warts primarily focuses on external therapies, supplemented by internal therapies. There are many external treatment methods, including drug therapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, microwave therapy, electrocautery, and surgery. Each has its own indications, and their cure rates range from 50% to 80%. Drug therapy is convenient and easy to administer, but generally requires several repetitions, and some drugs may burn the mucous membranes. Commonly used drugs include podophyllotoxin and imiquimod. Physical therapies such as laser therapy, cryotherapy, and microwave therapy are commonly used clinically and can quickly and accurately destroy the diseased tissue. Clinical studies have shown that some traditional Chinese medicines can significantly inhibit wart growth and can be used in conjunction with other treatments.

II. Trichomoniasis

This is a common gynecological condition. Infection with trichomoniasis can cause vaginitis, with symptoms including itching of the vulva, pain at the urethral opening, and purulent or milky vaginal discharge. However, it has been proven that men can also contract trichomoniasis, primarily through sexual intercourse.

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. It only affects the urogenital system, primarily the vagina, urethra, and prostate. Most men infected with Trichomonas vaginalis are asymptomatic, but women often experience symptoms, including foul-smelling, yellowish-green vaginal discharge and vulvar irritation. Individuals infected with Trichomonas vaginalis but without clinical symptoms are called carriers.

Furthermore, individuals infected with trichomoniasis have increased susceptibility to other sexually transmitted pathogens, and in recent years, vaginal trichomoniasis has been linked to premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth. Trichomoniasis can be sexually transmitted or transmitted through other routes. If the disease is transmitted through sexual intercourse, then it is a sexually transmitted disease; if it is transmitted through other routes, then it cannot be considered a sexually transmitted disease. In fact, the vast majority of cases of trichomoniasis are sexually transmitted, especially among sexually active young women.

Trichomonas vaginalis can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, it can also be transmitted to the vagina through contaminated toilet bowls, clothes, bathtubs, swimming pools, towels, hands, contaminated instruments, toilet seats, etc., causing vaginal trichomoniasis, and then transmitted to men through sexual intercourse.

Trichomonas vaginalis only affects the anterior urethra, and patients are often asymptomatic, so it is often missed during diagnosis. If Trichomonas vaginalis affects the posterior urethra or prostate, it can cause painful urination, itching at the urethral opening, or urethral discharge, but the amount is very small.

Laboratory tests are required to diagnose genital trichomoniasis. The most practical and reliable test is to directly examine secretions from the vagina in women and the urethra in men for Trichomonas vaginalis. Generally, a sterile cotton swab is used to collect secretions from the vagina or urethra, which are then placed in a test tube containing 1-2 ml of warm saline solution to form a thin hanging drop for microscopic examination. Trichomonas vaginalis can then be observed. Trichomonas vaginalis can also be examined through culture, with an accuracy rate of up to 98%.