HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. Most infections clear on their own, but some high-risk strains can cause cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers. Mediway Medical Centre offers HPV vaccination, testing, and cervical screening at our clinic at The Riverwalk, Clarke Quay.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a family of over 200 related viruses. It's the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, with estimates suggesting up to 80% of sexually active adults will be exposed at some point.
Most HPV infections are harmless and clear on their own within 1 to 2 years as the immune system controls the virus. But a small minority of infections persist, and if caused by high-risk strains, can lead to cellular changes that develop into cancer over years.
The three main things to know about HPV:
Not all HPV is the same. Of 200+ strains, around 40 infect the genital area. Clinically they split into two categories:
Cause genital warts (condylomata acuminata) on the genital, anal, or oral area. Flesh-coloured or pink, often painless.
Don't usually cause warts. Cause cellular changes in mucous membranes (cervix, anus, throat) that can progress to cancer over years if untreated.
Key insight: Gardasil-9 protects against both categories, 9 strains in total. The earlier you vaccinate (ideally before sexual debut), the more complete the protection.
HPV is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases and a significant share of anal, throat, and other cancers, in both women and men.
~99% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. The 3rd most common cancer in Singapore women.
~90% of anal cancers are HPV-caused. Higher incidence in MSM and immunocompromised patients.
~70% of throat cancers are HPV-caused (mainly type 16). Rising incidence in men.
~50% of vulvar cancers are HPV-caused.
~75% of vaginal cancers are HPV-caused.
~60% of penile cancers are HPV-caused. Rare but serious when it occurs.
Combined, HPV-caused cancers affect tens of thousands of people worldwide each year. Vaccination + screening prevent almost all of them.
Three HPV services at our clinic, supporting both prevention and screening.
Gardasil-9 covering 9 HPV strains, the broadest protection available. Ages 9 to 45, both men and women. 2 doses for under-15s, 3 doses for 15-45.
Full vaccination service →Detects high-risk HPV strains before they cause cellular changes. Available as cervical HPV DNA (women) or anal HPV DNA (men, typically for MSM or immunocompromised).
Full testing service →Pap smear (Thin Prep) detects cervical cellular changes. Co-tested with HPV DNA for women aged 30+ per Singapore screening guidelines.
Pap smear service →HPV vaccination is one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools available. Mediway administers Gardasil-9, the broadest-coverage HPV vaccine, protecting against 9 strains (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58).
For full vaccination pricing, schedule, and booking: HPV Vaccination page.
Regular screening catches cellular changes before they become cancer. Singapore's Health Promotion Board recommends:
Screening is important even if you're vaccinated, as vaccination doesn't cover every cancer-causing strain, and existing infections (pre-vaccination) can still progress.
For pap smear pricing and booking: Pap Smear page.
HPV is often discussed as a "women's issue" because of cervical cancer, but it affects men too, sometimes without symptoms for years.
HPV-related care is sensitive for many patients. Privacy is protected end-to-end.
Book vaccination, HPV testing, or cervical screening, all at our clinic at The Riverwalk.
Mediway Medical Centre
20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-26/29 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE5), Exit E (3 min walk)
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm · Sat 7:30am–1pm · Closed Sun & PH
Phone: +65 6909 0190
WhatsApp: +65 8779 9898