If you notice bumps near your genitals, it is possible that you have developed genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is common among sexually active people. These warts typically appear as flesh-colored or grey nodules on the skin near the genitals or anus. It is possible for a cluster of warts to develop together and resemble a gray cauliflower. These genital warts are a sign that you have contracted certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) during a past sexual encounter. To confirm that it is indeed a genital wart, it is recommended that you visit an STD clinic in Singapore for a visual examination by a qualified doctor.
If you are still unsure of what genital warts can look or feel like and what treatment options are available for patients, read on.
Recognising genital warts
Most people with genital warts will recognise them immediately as some sort of STD as the warts do cause pain, especially when pressure is applied to the area. They are contracted most often through unprotected sex with another infected partner. Because HPV is a virus that infects the skin, warts will start appearing starting from the area in which the infection took place. They will also be a different colour from the rest of the skin, often a bulbous red or an ashy gray. These warts may start off small but could grow over time. More warts may also develop over time.
Getting treatment for your warts
Because genital warts are a type of STD, it is highly recommended that you visit an STD clinic or wart removal clinic in Singapore to get access to treatment. The doctor at such a clinic will be able to ascertain whether that is genital warts and recommend treatment accordingly. Depending on the size, number and location of the wart, treatment options may differ. Topical creams are usually more effective for smaller warts. The doctor may recommend surgical procedures to remove larger warts. Doctors may also recommend painkillers to relieve any pain experienced while the wart clears up. Whichever the case, medical intervention is available for genital warts. It is not recommended that you seek over-the-counter wart medication. They may not be effective on genital warts as these warts are caused by a different strand of the HPV than the normal warts.
After treatment
Unfortunately, after the warts subside, HPV still resides inside the patient’s body and can be transmitted through unprotected sex. A patient with HPV is also at a higher risk for contracting HIV. There is no cure for an infected HPV patient. However, vaccines are available to protect women from certain strains of the virus. The best way to prevent contracting a genital wart is to ensure that all sexual interaction is done with a condom.
If left untreated, most genital warts will subside on their own. However, HPV infections could lead to cervical cancer or other cancers on the vulva, penis, anus, mouth and throat. As such, patients should seek treatment as early as possible.