Genital warts are little fleshy growths or lumps in the genitals, anus and surrounding areas and are Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can vary from single bumps to clusters. They could be flat, raised or shaped like a cauliflower. Treatment for genital warts varies according to the severity of the condition and personal preferences of patients. For genital warts treatments in Singapore, you can see a doctor in clinics (such as in https://www.drbenmedical.sg/genital-warts-treatment-singapore/), hospitals and family planning centers which can provide affordable and discreet care.
Here are the common genital warts treatment in Singapore:
Topical medications
Topical medicines are frequently the very first line of genital warts treatment in Singapore because they can be used conveniently and are less invasive compared to other treatments. These types of medications are administered directly on the genital warts and can help reduce or entirely eliminate them.
Below are the topical medication frequently given by healthcare providers for genital warts
- Imiquimod
- typically administered three times a week for six weeks, boosts the immune system to combat warts
- side effects include flu-like symptoms, redness, swelling, and itching
- Podofilox
- the warts dry out as a result of this treatment and fall off
- for a maximum of four weeks, this drug is given to the warts twice a day for three days spaced by four days
- Skin irritation, discomfort, and swelling are among this medication’s common side effects
- Sinecatechins
- Comes in the form of creams and is derived from green tea extract which has antiviral properties
- Applied 2x a day for up to 8 weeks
Here are few important considerations with the use of topical medications as a form of genital warts treatment in Singapore:
- The results may vary depending on the severity of the warts and the individual’s response.
- Side effects should be expected including redness, inflammation, and pain at the application site.
- To determine the suitable topical treatment for your unique needs and to address side effects, it is critical to speak with a healthcare practitioner
- In some circumstances, it may be recommended to use topical medications in conjunction with other therapies such as cryotherapy or laser therapy for better results
Physical Removal
Physical removal procedures are frequently utilized when topical treatments fail or for larger, more persistent warts. These methods try to physically remove the warts, offering instant comfort while potentially preventing the infection from spreading.
Here are the common genital warts treatments in Singapore where physical removal is involved:
- Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a popular and efficient treatment for genital warts that includes freezing them with liquid nitrogen. The intense cold causes the cells to die and finally fall off. The body spontaneously repairs the region, forming a scab that eventually falls off. Cryotherapy has a high success rate, is rapid, and can be done in one session. However, there are certain potential side effects, such as blistering, discomfort, burning, or itching, scarring, and recurrence, that may occur after therapy.
- Electrocautery involves using a hot electric probe to destroy the affected tissue. This procedure includes delivering an electric current through a probe, which heats up and burns away the wart tissue. Just like in cryotherapy, the treated region heals normally. Electrocautery is effective, rapid, and precise, causing minimal injury to healthy skin around it. Overall, electrocautery is a quick and effective way to cure warts despite the side-effects like irritation, scarring, and recurrence.
- Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a treatment that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to eliminate wart tissue. The laser focuses on the wart, generating intense heat that destroys the affected tissue. The region will heal naturally, like with other physical removal treatments. Laser therapy offers advantages such as accurate targeting, speedy completion, minimum bleeding, and a lower chance of scarring. Despite these benefits, laser therapy may cause discomfort, burning, itching, blistering, and recurrence.
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal is a less popular means of genital warts treatment in Singapore than cryotherapy, electrocautery, and laser therapy. The therapy consists of physical removal with a surgical instrument (under local anesthetic). The benefits of surgical removal include total elimination and effectiveness for large warts. However, potential adverse effects include pain and discomfort, visible scarring, bleeding during or after the treatment, and the possibility of recurrence. It is critical to contact a healthcare provider to establish whether surgical removal is a good option for you and to thoroughly consider the risks and benefits.
As discussed earlier, there is a variety of genital warts treatments in Singapore and choosing the most suitable can be a tough decision. The best treatment for genital warts is determined by several criteria, including the severity of the warts, individual health, personal preferences, and suggestions from healthcare providers. Smaller, less severe warts may respond well to topical treatments, whereas larger, more persistent warts may necessitate manual excision. There are cases where a combination of genital warts treatments are used for better results. Also, another consideration, people with underlying medical issues or weaker immune systems may require a different treatment method. Healthcare providers will evaluate the problem and recommend the most effective treatment.
Additional considerations regarding genital warts treatments in Singapore such as the following should also be noted:
- Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are required to track the progress of your therapy and manage any recurrences.
- Partner notification: Inform your sexual partners about your diagnosis so that they can be examined and treated as needed.
- Safe sex practices: Continuing to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, can help prevent the spread of HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The cost of genital warts treatment in Singapore varies based on various factors, including the treatment method (cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser therapy, or surgical removal), wart size and number, the healthcare facility (clinic or hospital), and doctor’s fees. To get a more accurate estimate, it’s recommended to contact Singapore’s clinics or hospitals directly, who can provide detailed information about available treatment options and associated costs. Lastly, Remember that the best approach to identify the best treatment for you is to speak with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your individual condition and make personalized recommendations.
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Dr Ben Medical @ Tanjong Pagar | ED Treatment | STD Treatment Singapore
SBF Center Medical Suites
160 Robinson Road
#03-09 SBF Center Medical Suites
Singapore 068914
+65 888 12344