Genital Warts
Genital Warts are fleshy growths that develop around the genitals or anus. They are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
What is HPV?
HPV is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) worldwide. In fact, nearly all sexually active people will become infected with at least one strain of HPV at some point during their lives. The more sexual partners one has, the more likely it is to get infected with HPV.
There are over 100 strains of HPV, about 40 of which are known to infect genital skin. Approximately 90% of Genital Warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. These are known as low-risk HPV types because they are unlikely to cause cancer. Instead, high-risk HPV strains can potentially lead to cancer in the cervix, genital skin or anus. The most common high-risk strains are HPV types 16 and 18.
Read more about Cervical Cancer Screening.
HPV is transmitted through vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex or close genital contact, and is unlikely to be passed on from touching non-living objects such as toilet seats or towels.
What are the symptoms of Genital Warts?
Genital Warts appear as white or flesh-coloured growths and can grow anywhere on the genital and anal skin. They may be small or large, single or multiple. In women, they tend to be on the vulva, vagina, cervix or anus. In men, they tend to be on the penis, in the urethra, or at the anus. It is also possible that a person may be infected with a low-risk HPV and remain asymptomatic.
What tests are required in order to diagnose Genital Warts and HPV?
Your doctor can diagnose Genital Warts simply by physical examination and visually inspecting the growths. In Singapore, HPV testing only assesses the presence of high-risk strains, therefore it is performed as part of cancer surveillance. In other words, a HPV test is not necessary in order to confirm a diagnosis of Genital Warts.
What are the treatments for Genital Warts?
There are several methods to treat Genital Warts. These include:
Aldara (Imiquimod). This is a topical cream that is self-applied for 4 to 6 weeks.
Cryotherapy. Your doctor will administer liquid nitrogen directly onto the warts in order to freeze them.
Electrosurgery. Your doctor will use a heated electrode tip to cauterize and remove the warts. Prior local anaesthesia is required.
It is important to note that warts treatments aim to only clear the warts but not the underlying HPV infection. There is no treatment available for HPV. In most people, the immune system clears the HPV infection over a course of 1 to 2 years. High-risk HPV types may take longer to clear, and in some people they can persist long term.
While warts are present, it is possible to pass HPV to your sexual partner. HPV may also be infectious even if symptoms are not present. It is not known whether treating warts reduces the risk of passing the HPV infection to your partner.
Get in touch.
If you suspect that you might have Genital Warts and would like to find out about your treatment options, make an appointment with us. We look forward to serving your medical needs.