Genital Warts (HPV): Do They Raise Cervical Cancer Risk?
Clitoria Clinic Sexual Health & Pelvic Exams, Phetkasem 81, Bangkok
Friendly doctors, private home-like setting, sex-positive and non-judgmental care.
Genital Warts (HPV): Do They Raise Cervical Cancer Risk?
Genital warts are small, raised skin growths, flesh-colored or pink, often cauliflower-like.
They may itch or irritate and typically appear around the genital area.
They are caused mainly by low-risk HPV types such as HPV 6 and 11.
Causes of Genital Warts
HPV infection transmitted via skin-to-skin genital contact, including sexual activity.
Genital Warts Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Prescription topicals (e.g., imiquimod) or TCA application
- Cryotherapy (freezing) or surgical removal
Genital Warts Prevention
Prevention includes:
- HPV vaccination covering wart-causing strains
- Consistent condom use (not 100% protective)
Although genital warts are not cancer and do not directly increase cervical cancer risk, prompt treatment helps reduce transmission to partners. HPV vaccination is recommended for long-term protection.
Which HPV Types Cause Genital Warts?
Primarily low-risk types 6 and 11 (most common). Other possible types include 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81. In contrast, high-risk types such as 16, 18, 31, 33, 45 generally do not cause warts but are linked to cervical, vaginal, and anal cancersregular screening is advised.
How to Tell Genital Warts from Other Lesions
Features of Genital Warts
- Rough, bumpy, cauliflower/comb-like; may merge into patches
- Found on vulva, vaginal opening, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, and around the anus
- Usually painless; may itch, burn, or bleed with friction
Different from Common Warts
- Usually on hands, fingers, knees, elbows (HPV types 1, 2, 4, etc.)
- Rough, firm, raised surface with tiny black dots (thrombosed capillaries); rarely on genitals
Different from Molluscum Contagiosum
- Caused by a poxvirus, not HPV
- Smooth, dome-shaped papules with a central dimple; flesh-to-pink color
When to See a Doctor
- New bumps on the genitals or around the anus
- Itching, burning, bleeding, or concern about transmission
- Uncertain diagnosis needs to be distinguished from other STIs
Genital Warts Treatment Fees
Initial Diagnosis
1,390 THB
Includes doctor fee
In-Clinic Topical Application
150 THB / session
Repeat weekly until resolved
Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)
550 THB / lesion
Treatment may combine several methods (topicals, mild acids, cryotherapy, electrocautery/laser). Your doctor will choose based on wart size, location, number, and skin condition.
Tel 081-116-3788 · LINE OA: @dr.clitoria
