Sexually transmitted infections or STIs plague many Singaporeans despite programmes to help prevent or treat them. For instance, one of the most common infections gynae clinics encounter is genital warts. This condition is not a life-threatening one, but the warts are often a source of shame and can be annoying to deal with. 

But what exactly is this health issue and what can you or your gynae do to manage it? Let us first look at the causes to understand how to protect ourselves in the future. 

Genital Warts: A Quick Breakdown

Genital warts are small, fleshy growths on our genital areas, though they can sometimes spread around the anus. They look like skin or whitish bumps — almost like cauliflowers. While they generally aren’t painful to have, they can get quite itchy and irritated, often causing a burning sensation.

How Do People Get Genital Warts?

As an STI, genital warts are one of the many conditions you can develop if you have the human papillomavirus (HPV). This means they are primarily transmitted through sexual activities with an infected partner. However, no penetration is necessary — even just skin-to-skin contact can cause an infection. 

A major problem is that many people can have HPV but do not have any visible signs of warts or other STIs. Unless your partner has been screened for the virus beforehand, there is often no way of determining if they are infected. 

Furthermore, it can take weeks, months, or even years after the sexual activity for your genital warts to manifest. That makes it difficult to determine when you got the virus or who you got it from if you have had more than one partner. 

How Can We Avoid Genital Warts?

There is currently no cure for the virus that causes these warts, but we can practise the following tips to reduce our risk:

• One highly recommended way to minimise your risk of genital warts is to get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. Keep in mind that this does not protect you from existing HPV infections, only strains you do not have yet. 

• Having a male partner use condoms can reduce your risk but cannot offer full protection since condoms cannot cover all the skin in the genital area. 

• Avoid having sexual activities with a partner who does have genital warts. 

• A monogamous relationship with a partner who is free of STIs can significantly lower your exposure.

Generally speaking, it would be wise to avoid high-risk sexual behaviours if you want to protect yourself more effectively against genital warts. Routine health screenings are also essential in detecting and managing these conditions early on. 

Get Help From Your Gynae If You Have Genital Warts

If you suspect you have genital warts, do not hesitate to visit a gynaecology clinic in Singapore. 

A gynae can develop a plan to treat your genital warts. Some possible treatment options include:

• Prescription creams and gels you can apply topically

• Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the warts 

• Surgically cutting off the warts 

If you are currently sexually active, they can also recommend a personalised screening schedule based on your risk factors.

The gynae can also help you improve your immune system to fight off HPV and its infections. 

Always Take Your Sexual Health Seriously

Common as they may be, we can lower our chances of having genital warts if we practise safe sex, get vaccinated, and have regular check-ups and screenings. Do not be afraid to communicate with your partner so you can be safe together. 

If you want to be more proactive with caring for your sexual health, your trusted gynae is there to help. They can help you become more informed so you can have more control over your well-being.