What You Must Know About Genital Warts and Their Treatments

Posted by Carollyne Dewi on May 12th, 2021

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is one of the most common STDs in the world. Genital warts appear on moist areas near the genital area and can vary slightly in appearance. For some, genital warts appear as small bumps with a flesh colour while others may experience a wart that looks like a cauliflower. These bumps can cause some discomfort or pain when you touch them.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is possible that you have genital warts. Fortunately, you can get treated for them at STD clinics in Singapore. But what causes genital warts and how can they be treated? Read on to learn more about topical treatments and surgical options available for the removal of genital warts.

What causes genital warts?

Genital warts are highly transmittable through skin-to-skin contact, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are different strains of HPV, and the ones that cause genital warts are different from the ones that cause warts in other areas of the body. HPV often enters the body through an abrasion, cut or small tear in the skin. Meanwhile, HPV strains that cause genital warts specifically are transmitted through sexual activity with close contact to the genital area.

It is also important to note that when a wart develops, they are contagious and can be transmitted to others through contact. While a vaccine for HPV is available, it is also an incurable STD – which means warts can be treated and removed, but the virus that causes them will remain in your body.

Are topical treatments available?

Topical treatments for genital warts are available at specialist clinics for STDs.  It is important to note that over-the-counter treatments for warts that can be bought at pharmacies are never suitable for genital warts as they are unsuitable for use near the genitals. Doctors at STD clinics will prescribe the right topical treatments to help you with the feeling of discomfort that comes with warts such as itching, burning or pain.

Treatment for warts will also help to prevent the spread of HPV. Your doctor may prescribe different topical treatments, such as Imiquimod, Podophyllin, and Trichloroacetic acid. These treatments will suit different individuals, depending on their conditions and suitability. Always listen to your doctor’s instructions to apply your treatments in the right way. It is also advised to avoid having sex until the treatment is completed and the warts are gone.

What happens when warts are too big?

It is possible that some patients may develop large warts, and these may not be responding well to medications. At this juncture, a doctor may recommend a wart removal surgery. Some methods of surgery include freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), using electric currents to burn off the wart (electrocautery) and cutting the wart out using surgical tools (excision). When left untreated, genital warts can grow bigger and in even more clusters with a high recurring rate.

Conclusion

Using a condom and getting the HPV vaccine can also help to prevent genital warts by reducing your risk. If you have symptoms that could be genital warts, visit a health clinic to have these checked. Even if genital warts clear on their own, the HPV virus may still be in your body. It is also crucial to stay on top of your sexual health as having genital warts can make you more vulnerable to infections and increase your risk of getting HIV.