Genital warts are small, flesh-coloured, pink, or brown growths that appear around moist tissues. These can include the genital area, mouth, or anus. Sometimes, they appear as a cauliflower-like growth due to several warts growing close together. While some warts are painless, others may cause itching, discomfort, or pain. They may also bleed. In any case, genital warts are typically spread through skin-to-skin contact during intercourse, sharing contaminated sex toys, and at times, from mother to child during childbirth.

All genital warts are caused by some low-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These strains are different from the high-risk HPV strains, which cause cancer. Genital warts are not cancerous, and generally do not lead to cancer. HPV is one of the most common STDs, and most sexually active individuals would be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetimes if they are not vaccinated against it. About 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, which are low-risk HPV strains. As such, it is vital to know the appropriate preventive measures and treatment options.

Prevention

The standard preventive measures for most STDs also apply to HPV. Limiting one’s sexual partners and using a condom during vaginal, anal, and oral sex can reduce the risk of contracting the virus. However, since the virus can also spread via skin-to-skin contact, one may still get infected if the virus is present on skin areas that are not covered.

Another preventive measure is vaccination. There are 3 HPV vaccines approved for use in Singapore – Cervarix, Gardasil, and Gardasil 9. Cervarix can vaccinate you against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, but not against the strains that cause genital warts. On the other hand, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccinate you against a wider range of HPV types, including HPV types 6 and 11. According to the Ministry of Health, Cervarix is recommended for females that are 9 to 25 years old. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are recommended for females that are 9 to 26 years old.

Treatment

Genital warts often go away in time, so one might not need treatment if the warts are not causing discomfort. One can seek warts treatment in Singapore if the warts are causing discomfort, itching, or pain, or if they are concerned about spreading the virus to others. Doctors can use medication or surgery to help clear an outbreak. Do note that the virus can remain in the skin cells even after the warts subside, so warts can return even after treatment. Here are some of the medications that can treat genital warts. All of these are applied directly to the skin:

  • Imiquimod: This cream can increase the activity of one’s immune system to fight genital warts.
  • Podofilox: This solution is used to treat warts on areas outside of the genitals. It prevents the wart from growing so that it will fall off.
  • Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): TCA is a chemical treatment that can burn off genital warts.
  • Sinecatechins: This cream is used to treat warts outside the genitals or around the anus.

In the case of larger warts, or those that do not respond well to medication, doctors may recommend surgical procedures to have them removed. This can also be done during pregnancy to minimise the chance of transmission to the child.

  • Cryotherapy: The wart is frozen using liquid nitrogen. This causes a blister to form, which will break, dry, and fall off after some time.
  • Electrocautery: An electrical current is used to burn off the warts.
  • Laser surgery: A laser is used to burn off the wart tissue.
  • Surgical excision: The doctor uses a scalpel, scissors, or curette to remove the warts.

Each of these forms of treatments has their own contraindications and side effects, which a wart removal clinic can inform you about.

Conclusion

If you are looking to consult a specialist on HPV vaccinations or warts treatment options, you can visit an STD clinic in Singapore.

To book an appointment with Elyon Clinic, call us now at 6802 7208.