HPV / Genital Warts

What are Genital Warts / Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

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.

Incubation Period of Genital Warts / HPV

Genital Warts / HPV can incubate for months or years before exhibiting symptoms.

Symptoms of Genital Warts / HPV

Condylomata Acuminata: papular, flat, exophytic, filiform, cauliflower-shaped warts
Fleshy growths on anogenital skin
Usually multiple warts > 5 to 15, 1-10mm in size
Can cause itch and discomfort
Usually painless, unless traumatized
May be small to large and slow growing

Testing for Genital Warts / HPV

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.

Treatment for Genital Warts / HPV

Our clinic offer the following treatments for removal of genital warts:

Topical therapy
- Topical treatment with creams is generally less invasive and tolerable by patients. Topical therapy can achieve between 60 - 80% success clearance rate. The treatment period, however, can take up to 16 weeks for clearance. The common side effects are transient burning, redness and tenderness.
Cryotherapy - Liquid nitrogen
- Cryotherapy is the use of liquid nitrogen spray to cause necrosis and destruction of the growths and lesions.
- Cryotherapy is a highly effective and simple clinic-based procedure. Advantages of cryotherapy are that it can be done on the spot with little preparation, low risk of infection, and minimal wound care required. Additionally, there is no requirement for injection or anesthesia, and no need for sutures. Successful clearance rates can be as high as 90% from the initial session alone. Potential side effects are edema, blister formation and hypopigmentation, but rarely scarring.
- Most skin lesions often can be treated in a single session, although some require several treatments.

Prevention of Genital Warts / HPV

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.

Immunisation schedule

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.

Who should get vaccinated against HPV?

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

Cost and Price for HPV Vaccination

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)