Genital warts

Human papilloma virus (HPV), known for the cauliflower shape they sometimes take, is a virus infection transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sexual contact. There are more than 200 kinds of HPV and they can be categorized into three types, high-risk, low-risk and not determined. The virus can survive up to 1 week on dry surfaces. 

Spread of infection

  • Skin-to-skin contact
  • Contact with mucous membrane of mouth, anus and genitals
  • Sex organ touched by an infected hand
  • Contact with contaminated objects, e.g. banknotes and community towels

Incubation period

The virus stays dormant for years. The infected person may not develop any symptoms, yet the HPV remains infectious in the person’s lifetime.

Symptoms

Since most of the HPVs do not have any obvious symptoms, many people are unaware of their infection. In some cases, the disease can cause:

  • Cauliflower shaped bumps of pink color
  • Anal or urethral bleeding

Who are susceptible to an HPV infection?

  • People with weak immune system, such as HIV patients or people with low resistance congenitally against HPV, are prone to develop anal cancer and genital warts

What are the complications without treatment?

Low-risk type HPVs

  • People with weak immune system, such as HIV patients or people with low resistance congenitally against HPV, are prone to develop anal and genital warts

High-risk type HPVs

  • Men: Causing anal cancer, penile cancer, oropharyngeal cancer
  • Women: Causing cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer and oropharyngeal cancer