Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim | MBChB, MMed | Board-Accredited Family Physician
MBChB, MMed | Board-Accredited Family Physician
What Is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection that spreads primarily through intimate skin contact. It consists of more than 100 related strains, each behaving differently in the body.
High-risk strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, are strongly linked with cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina and throat. Low-risk strains usually cause genital warts or non-genital skin warts on areas like the hands and feet.
Most sexually active people will come into contact with HPV during their lifetime, although only a portion experience symptoms or long-term health issues.
HPV Statistics in Singapore
HPV is a public health condition in Singapore because persistent infection with certain strains can lead to cervical cancer.
Studies show that roughly 1 in 10 healthy women carry HPV, with the highest rates seen among those aged 20 to 24.
Among women who test positive, about half have a high-risk type that has known links to cervical cancer, which highlights the importance of regular screening across adulthood.
What Are Symptoms and Complications of HPV?
HPV infections often cause no symptoms at all, especially when high-risk strains are involved, so many people remain unaware that they carry the virus.
When symptoms do occur, they usually involve visible skin or genital changes. Common symptoms include:
- Genital warts that may be flat, raised or cauliflower-like
- Warts on the hands, feet or other skin surfaces
- Small clusters or singular growths that vary in size and texture
High-risk HPV strains can persist if the immune system does not clear the infection. Over time, these long-standing infections may cause gradual changes in healthy cervical cells, increasing the likelihood of precancerous changes and, in some cases, cervical cancer.
