Quick answer. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), usually low-risk types 6 and 11, and are among the most common STIs in Singapore. They appear as small painless lumps or cauliflower-like growths around the genitals or anus, though many HPV infections cause no warts at all. Warts are very treatable — options include creams (imiquimod, podophyllotoxin), freezing (cryotherapy) and minor removal procedures — but they can recur because the virus stays in the skin. The wart types rarely cause cancer; separate high-risk HPV types do, which is why HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9) and cervical screening matter. Confidential treatment is available at GPs, clinics and the DSC Clinic.
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Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Singapore. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) — a very common virus with over 100 types. Around 90% of genital warts are caused by the low-risk HPV types 6 and 11, which rarely lead to cancer. The DSC Clinic lists genital warts among the top STIs it sees.
Having genital warts is extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed about — most sexually active people are exposed to HPV at some point, and in many cases the body clears it on its own. This guide focuses on genital and anal warts: how they look, how they are treated, why they can recur, the link between HPV and cancer, and how vaccination protects you and your partners.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to know | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | HPV (usually low-risk types 6 and 11) | Very common virus |
| Symptoms | Painless lumps/cauliflower-like growths — or none | Often appear weeks to months after exposure |
| Treatment | Creams, cryotherapy (freezing), minor removal | Usually several sessions |
| Recurrence | Common — the virus stays in the skin | Warts may return after clearing |
| Cancer link | Wart types rarely cause cancer | Different high-risk types cause cervical/anal cancer |
| Prevention | HPV vaccination, condoms, screening | Gardasil 9 covers types 6, 11, 16, 18 and more |
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are small growths caused by HPV that appear on or around the genitals, anus or, occasionally, the mouth and throat. They are spread by skin-to-skin sexual contact — vaginal, anal or oral sex — and a condom does not fully protect against them because warts can be on skin the condom does not cover.
HPV is extremely common; most sexually active adults will be exposed at some point. In about 9 in 10 cases the immune system clears HPV without any treatment. When warts do develop, they are caused mostly by low-risk HPV types 6 and 11, which very rarely cause cancer.
Symptoms: what to look for
Genital warts are usually painless. They may appear as:
- Small flesh-coloured or grey lumps
- Clusters that look cauliflower-like
- Flat or raised bumps on the penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, cervix, or around the anus
Some people notice itching, mild discomfort or occasional bleeding. Many people with HPV have no visible warts at all. Warts can appear weeks or even months after contact, so it is not always possible to know exactly when or from whom the virus was caught — this is normal and not a sign of blame.
Treatment options in Singapore
Genital warts are very treatable. The best option depends on the number, size and location of warts, and treatment is available confidentially at GPs, sexual-health clinics and the DSC Clinic. Common approaches include:
- Topical creams or solutions — such as imiquimod or podophyllotoxin, applied at home over several weeks
- Cryotherapy — freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, often over a few short sessions
- Removal procedures — minor surgical removal, electrocautery or laser for larger or stubborn warts
Treatment clears the visible warts, but it does not remove HPV from the body entirely (costs vary by clinic and method). A doctor will recommend the most suitable option for you.
Why warts can come back (recurrence)
It is common for warts to recur after treatment, because the HPV virus can remain dormant in the skin even once the visible warts are gone. Recurrence does not mean treatment failed or that you have been re-infected — it is simply how the virus behaves.
Over time, most people’s immune systems suppress or clear the virus, and warts stop returning. Stopping smoking and looking after your general health may help. If warts come back, further treatment is straightforward, so see your doctor again rather than worrying.
HPV, cancer and vaccination
It is important to separate two things: the low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) that cause most genital warts rarely cause cancer, while different high-risk types (such as 16 and 18) can, over many years, lead to cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal and some throat cancers. High-risk HPV usually causes no warts at all.
The HPV vaccine protects against this. Gardasil 9 covers types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 — guarding against both genital warts and most cancer-causing types. In Singapore, HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and is offered with subsidies under national immunisation schemes; it can also benefit boys and men. Women should still attend regular cervical screening. (See our HPV vaccination guide for details.)
Telling partners and getting support
Because HPV is so common and can stay silent for a long time, a genital warts diagnosis does not point to recent infidelity or poor hygiene. Telling a current partner allows them to look out for warts and get checked or vaccinated if appropriate. Partners are encouraged to see a doctor if they notice any lumps.
You can get confidential, non-judgemental diagnosis and treatment from your GP, private clinics or the DSC Clinic (public STI clinic at 31 Kelantan Lane). The key message: genital warts are common, treatable, and not a reflection of your worth.
Related guides
- Best Sexual Health & STD Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- sexual health & STD clinics directory
- Genital herpes
- Chlamydia & gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
Sources
- DSC Clinic – Genital Wart Virus
- HealthHub – FAQs on HPV and HPV Immunisation
- DSC Clinic – What are STIs?
- HealthHub – Getting Support for STIs
Related conditions & guides
Related conditions and guides you may find useful:
- Common STDs and Their Symptoms in Singapore
- HIV PrEP and PEP in Singapore
- HPV Vaccination in Singapore
- STD and STI Testing in Singapore
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