Genital warts are sexually transmitted infections affecting both males and females. They generally show up as fleshy growths around your genitals and nearby areas.
The infection is not dangerous and usually goes away on its own when your immune system fights back. But its unsightly appearance can be uncomfortable for many, especially those who are sexually active. If your genital warts bother you greatly, head to your women's clinic here in Singapore for treatments.
What Causes Genital Warts?
Many strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, cause genital warts. As a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you contract HPV when you have sexual intercourse with infected individuals.
Genital warts typically take weeks or even months to appear afterwards. But in some cases, they do not show up at all. It makes identifying the infected individual difficult if you have had intercourse with other people. Be sure to inform your partner or partners if you find genital warts so they can get screened for HPV.
What Do Genital Warts Look Like?
Genital warts look like small lumps that can be on their own or in clusters that resemble cauliflowers. But some can appear flatter. The warts often start as soft growths but become rough later on.
Genital warts come in colours ranging from skin-coloured or brownish to pink or whitish.
Some mistake genital warts for herpes since they are both STIs. However, herpes results in open sores and blisters, not tiny fleshy growths.
When to Visit Your Sexual Health Clinic
Anyone is free to visit a recommended women's clinic in Singapore if they develop genital warts. They can also get checked, even if they do not have visible warts, if their partner has HPV.
The warts usually are not painful to have. But if you experience other side effects besides the lumps, contact the clinic immediately. These point to complications beyond the little lumps on your skin.
Some symptoms to watch out for include:
- Itching and irritated skin around the genitals
- Bleeding from the genitals
- Changes in your urine flow or painful urination
- Unusual-looking discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
What Are the Available Treatments for Genital Warts in Singapore?
Women's clinics in Singapore treat female genital warts through various methods, such as:
- Freezing the warts using liquid nitrogen
- Prescribing wart creams or applying podophyllum resin
- Removing the warts through surgery, laser treatments, or cauterisation
The health professionals will evaluate the warts and your overall condition before recommending a suitable treatment for you.
Safe Practices to Avoid Developing Genital Warts
The best protection you have against genital warts is getting the HPV vaccine. It is likely available at your Singapore women's clinic and other health centres nationwide. Do consult your doctor first to get cleared for the vaccination.
Practising safe sex with condoms or dental dams also helps. Keep in mind that these do not fully protect your skin but only minimise your risk of catching genital warts.
Sexually active people can also protect themselves by staying with only one partner or limiting themselves to those who do not have HPV. But they should also make it a habit to undergo regular testing so they can get treated promptly.
If both you and your partner have genital warts, do not hesitate to ask your sexual health physician for guidance on the matter. For the meantime, avoid having sexual intercourse so long as you remain infected.
Conclusion
Genital warts are indeed a bothersome sight down below. But they, fortunately, are relatively harmless, and treatments are readily available at your women's clinic here in Singapore.
If the warts are a recurring problem for you, consider practising safe sex and having you and your partner tested regularly for STIs.
https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/genital-warts
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts
https://www.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk/stis/types-of-stis/genital-warts/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/
