Perianal Warts (Peri-Anal Warts) & Anal Warts Removal
Perianal Warts (aka Peri-Anal Warts, Condyloma Acuminata) are flesh coloured, cauliflower-like growths in and around the anus that is caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).
How Do I Know I Have Perianal Warts?
One of the first occurrences where people note this is new bleeding from the rectum, especially after wiping with toilet paper. Of course, there are many other causes of rectal bleeding, the most common being piles and the most deadly being some form of rectal cancer.
The other way people notice this is when their partner sees it and tells them about it. One would be able to feel the growth with your fingers and also see them with a mirror.
These perianal warts are painless and itchless.
How Can I Catch Perianal Warts?
These cauliflower-like perianal warts are caused by the virus HPV. This is spread through unprotected anal intercourse with a partner who has HPV.
Most often, HPV is symptomless and you can catch HPV from your partner even if he seems completely well.
If I Have Perianal Warts Can I Pass It To My Partner?
Yes the virus which causes perianal warts – HPV, can be passed on to your partner during unprotected anal intercourse.
In the situation, you do not have noticeable perianal warts but your partner develops penile warts after anal intercourse with you, you should also have yourself check for perianal warts and HPV.
Also, you can learn more about symptoms of other STD one can contract from Anal sex
How Do I Check For Perianal Warts?
During a physical examination, what you will tend to notice is “cauliflower-like” growths around the anus. These are usually flesh coloured or a slightly lighter or darker shade.
Other growths that may appear around the anus would be skin tags which can mimic perianal warts to the untrained eye, or even on rare occasions, ulcers which may be red flags of non-benign growths.
The best advice we can offer is to see our doctors to determine whether you truly have Perianal Warts or another condition. We may then take a sample of the growth and send it to the laboratory for confirmation.
All our clinics in Singapore provide Rapid HPV Testing (Next Day Results)
You can learn more about
How is Perianal Warts Treated?
We have covered in this article “How to Get Rid of Genital Warts” some of the commonly used treatments for Perianal warts. We will summarize them here again for your perusal.
The 3 main modalities we use are Creams and lotions, Freezing the wart or “Laser” electrocautery of the wart.
1. Creams and Lotions
Aldara Cream (Imiquimod) is effective for Perianal Warts. The cream is applied 3-4x a week nightly and left for 8 hours overnight. This warts treatment process is repeated for about 6 weeks to get full eradication of the wart. If too much of the cream is applied, some may experience redness and burning of the area as well.
Of course, there is also a small percentage who do not see full resolution and may need other treatments. If too much cream is applied it can cause redness and even blistering of the surrounding skin.
2. Freezing
With a special device that controls the release of liquid nitrogen, we can also freeze the wart. Most people see a resolution after 2-3 freezing treatments over a month. This process is usually painless and no anaesthesia is needed prior.
3. “Laser” Electrocautery
This is usually done in 1 sitting and is enough to eradicate the wart. However, this process often stings and would require some form of anaesthetic to numb the pain prior.
How Can I Protect Myself From Perianal Warts?
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to use a condom if you are intending to have anal sex. This however only confers a rough 30% protection against HPV infection.
There are more than 100 strains of HPV viruses out there, 4 of them are the main high-risk ones causing cervical cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer and penile cancer.
There are new vaccinations available which protect you against these 4 high-risk strains and 5 other low-risk strains which are wart causing. You can read more about Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccination).
Recently the FDA (food drug administration of the USA) announced that Gardasil 9 should be expanded to include Men and Women from 27-45 years of age, thereby providing greater protection against HPV and the risks of those above-mentioned cancers or warts.
You can speak to our doctors to find out more about this HPV vaccination.
Are There Any Other Diseases Associated with Perianal Warts?
Yes as described above there are risks of getting anal cancer, throat cancer, cervical cancer (women) and penile cancer from HPV.
Are There Other STDs Associated with Perianal Warts?
Perianal warts are known to be associated with Rectal Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B
If you are interested in HPV Treatment or Anal Warts Removal and Rapid STD Screening for other HPV Strain & other STDs, you can visit any of our clinics.
You can call us or email us for an appointment at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg.
Take Care!
For more information on other STDS.
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An Overview of STD by an STD Doctor
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Is HPV Vaccine Necessary for Males?
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Mycoplasma Genitalium Testing & Treatment
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11 Causes of Penile Itching & Pubic Itch
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Sexual Health Advice for Travellers
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HIV & STD in the Singapore Commercial Sex Scene
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What is HIV / AIDS Signs and Symptoms
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Ouch! 10 Causes of Penile Pain (Pain in the Penis)
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7 FAQs on HIV PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis)
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HPV Infection & HPV Vaccination For Men Who Have Sex With Men
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A Guide to HIV Prevention Pills – (HIV PEP & HIV PrEP)
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Do I Have HIV Rash? Or Are They From Other STD-Related Rashes
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What Are The Causes of Abnormal Penile Discharge
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HIV Window Period – Timelines For Accurate HIV Testing
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Herpes Simplex Virus – Everything You Need to Know
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The Causes of Genital Blister, Genital Ulcer & Genital Sore
