Genital Warts and Genital Herpes in Asia: Sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses can persist for years, or even for life. In Singapore, genital warts and genital herpes are common viruses.
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There are many types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Those caused by bacteria can often be cured with antibiotics, but those caused by viruses can be much more difficult to treat. This means that viral STIs may persist for years; in some cases, they persist throughout life.
Herpes
Genital herpes is a viral infection that persists for life. In Singapore, genital herpes is among the most common STIs. The virus that causes it, which is called herpes simplex virus (HSV), is acquired via direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes (during oral, vaginal, or anal sex). While condoms can help to prevent the spread of the virus, it can still be acquired through skin that isn’t covered by the condom.
Once the HSV virus is acquired, symptoms usually develop in 4 to 7 days. A rash appears on the genitals, anus, or in the mouth. At first, the rash consists of small blisters; later, the blisters pop and become small ulcers. They heal within 2 to 3 weeks.
However, even after the initial rash heals, the virus is not cleared from the body. It becomes dormant within nerve cells, where it’s protected from the body’s immune system. Later, the virus may reactivate, coming back out of the nerve cells to cause the blisters and ulcers again. This can happen many times throughout the person’s lifetime. Often, a reactivation is preceded by a burning sensation in the affected area, which warns you that the blisters will soon appear.
Unfortunately, once the HSV virus is acquired, there’s no way to get rid of it completely. However, there are medications available which can help. Oral or topical medications can be used to reduce the duration and the severity of an outbreak; these are given as soon as possible after symptoms are noticed. Oral medications can also be used daily to suppress outbreaks in those who experience them frequently.
HSV can be transmitted even when someone is not symptomatic. Those with the infection may not know when they’re “shedding” virus and could infect others. This makes it necessary to use condoms even when sores are not present.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are also caused by a virus. This virus is called human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are many types of HPV; some cause genital warts, some cause warts on other parts of the body, and others cause cervical cancer in women.
HPV is acquired through direct contact with infected skin. Like with herpes, this makes condoms partially effective for prevention, but infected skin that’s not covered by the condom may still transmit the virus.
Once the HPV virus is acquired, warts may develop on the genitals or around the anus. There are usually several warts. These are generally small, flesh-colored growths, but can sometimes become large and take on a cauliflower-like appearance.
While genital warts are not painful, they may cause discomfort when rubbing against clothing or during sex. Because of this, many people with genital warts in Singapore choose to have them removed. This can be done using topical medications, which are available by prescription or over the counter at the pharmacy; the medications generally take several weeks of regular application to work. For faster results, warts can be removed in a doctor’s office. In either case, once the wart is gone, the HPV infection is still in the body, so new warts may appear.
There is a vaccine available against HPV. One type of the vaccine only protects against two strains of the virus that cause cervical cancer, while another type protects against those and also against some strains that cause genital warts. In Singapore, it’s recommended that both men and women who are sexually active strongly consider getting the HPV vaccine to protect themselves and their partners.
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore