CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF WOMEN WITH GENITAL WARTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN RAJASTHAN
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Keywords
Genital warts; Human papillomavirus; Sexually transmitted infections; Women’s health; Tertiary care hospital; HPV vaccination
Abstract
Background: Genital warts, caused predominantly by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, are among the most common viral sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Although benign, genital warts cause significant physical discomfort, psychological distress, and social stigma, particularly among women of reproductive age. Data on the clinical and demographic profile of women with genital warts from tertiary care settings in Rajasthan remain limited.
Objectives: To study the clinical and demographic profile of women presenting with genital warts and to assess management outcomes at a tertiary care hospital in Rajasthan.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a six-month period from March 2024 to August 2024 in the departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Dermatology at a tertiary care hospital in Rajasthan. A total of 96 women diagnosed with genital warts on clinical examination were included. Data were collected using a pre-designed, semi-structured proforma capturing socio-demographic details, sexual history, clinical presentation, site and number of lesions, and management modalities. All participants received treatment as per standard institutional protocols. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages.
Results: Out of 96 women diagnosed with genital warts, the majority (62.5%) were aged between 20–35 years. Most participants were married (71.9%) and belonged to urban or peri-urban areas. Vulvar involvement was the most common site of lesions (68.7%), followed by perineal (41.7%) and vaginal involvement (18.8%), with multiple sites affected in several cases. Multiple genital warts were observed in 57.3% of women, while 42.7% presented with solitary lesions. The most common presenting complaints were visible genital growths (78.1%), itching or discomfort (46.9%), and dyspareunia (21.9%). Topical medical management was instituted in all patients, with complete or significant clinical resolution achieved in 81.2% of cases during follow-up. Recurrence was noted in 14.6% of women, highlighting the chronic and recurrent nature of the disease.
Conclusion: Genital warts are a common STI among reproductive-aged women and continue to pose a public health concern. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, patient education, and preventive strategies such as HPV vaccination are essential to reduce disease burden and recurrence.
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Dr. Deepti Chitra
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. PIN Code: 312025
Dr. Ramesh Chandra Raidas
Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India.
Dr. Jatin Prajapati
Post Graduate Student, Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. ( ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7298-4499 )
