Genital Warts, or Condylomata Acuminata, are sexually transmitted infections characterised by single/multiple fleshy growths on the anogenital skin. They are caused by human papillomaviruses, of which more than 100 types are known. Genital Warts are mostly caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
Genital Warts can occur on the cervix, vagina and vulva in females, and on the penis and urethra (urinary canal) in males. They may also occur around the anus and in the anal canal in both males and females.
Warts on other sites like hands, fingers and feet are not sexually transmitted and are caused by varieties of HPV different from those causing genital warts.
Genital Warts are spread by unprotected sexual intercourse and intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner. Autotransmisstion from hands and fingers to anogenital region is also possible.
Genital Warts / HPV can incubate for months or years before exhibiting symptoms.
Diagnosis of genital warts is primarily a clinical diagnosis with the appearance of the characteristic lesions.
HPV DNA detection tests are available for women undergoing cervical or PAP smear screening.
Our clinic offers the 9-valent HPV vaccine.
The 9-valent vaccine offers protection against the high risk HPV types that cause up to 90% of cervical cancers (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) and against the low risk HPV types that are commonly associated with genital warts (types 6 and 11).
Immunisation with HPV vaccine is recommended to start in girls and women 9 to 26 years of age.
The HPV vaccine works best before you have started having sex or sexual activity. Even if you have started having sex or sexual activity, you can still be protected against the types of human papillomavirus that you have not already been exposed to.
The HPV vaccine is given as an injection. You will receive 3 doses of the vaccines in the following interval:
First dose: at a date you and your doctor choose
Second dose: 1-2 months after the first dose
Third dose: 4-5 months after the second dose
You are strongly recommended to complete all three doses to get the full benefits. If you miss a dose, your doctor or health care provider will advise and decide when you can receive your missed dose.
We recommend HPV vaccination for all males and females at risk of HPV infection, especially before introduction to sexual activity. BUT you can still receive HPV vaccination and be protected against HPV even if you are already sexually active because you may not have been exposed to HPV yet
From 1st March 2023, the 9-valent HPV vaccine at our clinic costs:
For LOCAL RESIDENTS - $300 per dose or $900 $855 for package of 3 doses (before GST)
For NON RESIDENTS - $350 per dose (before GST)