People with genital warts need an HIV test. This is because genital warts increase the risk of HIV, by breaking the healthy barrier that normally keeps HIV from entering the body.
The most common STD is a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is so common that most sexually active people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. Although certain strains of this virus can cause symptoms, it’s most commonly asymptomatic, meaning that people can carry the virus and never know that they have it. This explains why it’s so common; a majority of people who have HPV are unaware of their infection and continue to transmit it to their sexual partners unknowingly.
Certain strains of HPV cause cervical cancer. Because HPV is so common, the Pap test is recommended for all sexually active women. This test takes a scraping of cells from the surface of the cervix, which are looked at in a laboratory to detect cells that may be pre-cancerous. These dangerous cells can then be removed before the woman gets cancer. The Pap test has greatly decreased the number of deaths from cervical cancer.
Different strains of HPV cause %genital warts%. These warts are often very small, and some are so small that they can’t be seen with the naked eye, but only with a microscope. Other genital warts are larger, and may interfere with sexual function. They can sometimes be painful or itchy. They usually clear up on their own, but can be removed if they cause problems.
Even if warts aren’t causing significant problems on their own, they also increase the risk of HIV infection. This happens because warts break the barrier normally provided by a healthy mucous membrane. HIV thus has easier access to the bloodstream. This can happen even with warts that are so small that the patient doesn’t know they’re there.
Anyone who is diagnosed with genital warts needs to get an %HIV test%. An HIV test in Singapore can be obtained easily and discreetly at an STD clinic. The same sexual encounter that transmitted HPV may also have transmitted HIV, or it may have been acquired later. The genital warts make it more likely that you’ll get HIV if you’re exposed. That’s why testing is so important.
Sexually active young adults, especially those who already have other STDs, should get an HIV test at least once a year. Certain groups, including men who have sex with men, should get tested more often. You should talk with your provider at the STD clinic to determine how often it’s recommended for you to get an %HIV test in Singapore%. Testing allows for early treatment of HIV, before it causes symptoms. This can protect your health and prevent HIV from becoming fatal.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital HPV Infection – Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 19 May 2016. Accessed 20 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Genital Warts.” Mayo Clinic. Published 2 Jan 2014. Accessed 20 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/basics/definition/con-20019380
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Anogenital Warts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 4 Jun 2015. Accessed 20 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/warts.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Screening Recommendations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Recommendation Sources.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 4 Jun 2015. Accessed 20 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/screening-recommendations.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Basics – Testing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 5 May 2016. Accessed 20 Jun 2016 http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore