Vulva Health
WHEN YOU NEED URGENT REFERRALS
Make an Urgent referrals if you have:
- A chronic lump (growth) on the vulva.
- A chronic itch (especially in one spot).
- A chronic ulcer.
- An area of pigmentation or a change in colour of the vulvar.
1. GENITA WART
2. LICHEN
3. VAILVA PRE CANCER
4. VULVODYNIA
WHAT ARE GENITAL WARTS
Genital warts are flesh colored or gray growths found in the genital or anal
area of women and men. They are caused by low-risk HPVs (not cancer-causing) — 90 percent from types 6 and 11.
area of women and men. They are caused by low-risk HPVs (not cancer-causing) — 90 percent from types 6 and 11.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Genital warts start as small bumps that appear in the anogenital region — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum.
- They may be single or clusters and have a cauliflower-like appearance as they grow larger.
- They are painless but may cause itching or irritation.
- Occasionally there is bleeding and rarely urinary blockage.
HOW ARE WARTS DIAGNOSED
The diagnosis is usually based on medical history and exam findings.
Occasionally, skin biopsies may be taken.
Occasionally, skin biopsies may be taken.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR GENITAL WARTS
- Topical chemicals/medications — These are applied to the warts on a regular basis for a period of time either at home or in the health center.
- Cryotherapy — the wart is frozen off.
- Laser, electro-cautery, or other surgical treatment.
- These treatmay be used when there are many warts — abnormal tissue is destroyed with a laser beam, electrical current.
