HPV in Singapore
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.
Gardasil-9
Ages 15-45
Women or men
Cervical screening
Males + females
Clarke Quay MRT
What is HPV?
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:
- Vaccination prevents the majority of HPV-related cancers and warts, and is most effective when given before sexual debut
- Screening (pap smear + HPV DNA test) catches cellular changes early, when they're treatable
- Vaccination and screening together reduce cervical-cancer risk by over 95%
HPV strains: high-risk vs low-risk
Not all HPV is the same. Of 200+ strains, around 40 infect the genital area. Clinically they split into two categories:
Low-risk HPV
Cause genital warts (condylomata acuminata) on the genital, anal, or oral area. Flesh-coloured or pink, often painless.
- Do not cause cancer
- Warts can be treated (cryotherapy, electrocautery, topical)
- Gardasil-9 covers types 6 and 11 (prevents most wart cases)
- Warts can recur because the virus stays in the body
High-risk (oncogenic) HPV
Don't usually cause warts. Cause cellular changes in mucous membranes (cervix, anus, throat) that can progress to cancer over years if untreated.
- Types 16 and 18 alone cause ~70% of cervical cancers
- Persistent infection (years) is the cancer risk; transient infection is not
- Gardasil-9 covers 7 high-risk types (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58)
- Screening (pap + HPV DNA) catches changes before cancer develops
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.
Cancers caused by HPV
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.
Cervical cancer
~99% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. The 3rd most common cancer in Singapore women.
Anal cancer
~90% of anal cancers are HPV-caused. Higher incidence in MSM and immunocompromised patients.
Oropharyngeal cancer
~70% of throat cancers are HPV-caused (mainly type 16). Rising incidence in men.
Vulvar cancer
~50% of vulvar cancers are HPV-caused.
Vaginal cancer
~75% of vaginal cancers are HPV-caused.
Penile cancer
~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.
HPV services at Mediway
Three HPV services at our clinic, supporting both prevention and screening.
HPV vaccination
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 →HPV DNA testing
Detects high-risk HPV strains before they cause cellular changes. Available as cervical HPV DNA Test for women, or a urine-based Male HPV Test for men. Mediway does not perform anal HPV testing.
Full testing service →Pap smear + cervical screening
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 at Mediway
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).
Who should get vaccinated?
- Children aged 9-14: 2 doses, 6-12 months apart. Most effective age group, before sexual debut.
- Teens and young adults 15-26: 3 doses (0, 2, 6 months). Still highly beneficial.
- Adult catch-up 27-45: 3 doses. Approved by HSA. Even with prior HPV exposure, the vaccine covers strains you haven't yet encountered.
- Men: Yes. The vaccine prevents anal, throat, and penile cancers, and reduces transmission to partners.
For full vaccination pricing, schedule, and booking: HPV Vaccination page.
Cervical cancer screening for women
Regular screening catches cellular changes before they become cancer. Singapore's Health Promotion Board recommends:
- Ages 25-29: Pap smear every 3 years
- Ages 30-69: Pap smear + HPV DNA co-test every 5 years (or pap alone every 3 years if preferred)
- Earlier or more frequent screening may be recommended based on history (abnormal previous results, immunosuppression, multiple partners, etc.)
- Stop screening at age 70 if prior screenings have been negative
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 in men
HPV is often discussed as a "women's issue" because of cervical cancer, but it affects men too, sometimes without symptoms for years.
What men should know
- Vaccination benefits men directly, preventing anal, throat, and penile cancers, plus genital warts. Recommended for men aged 9-45.
- There is no routine HPV screening test for men (no male equivalent of pap smear). Most HPV infections in men clear naturally and cause no symptoms.
- Mediway offers a urine-based Male HPV Test at $250 for men who want clarity on their HPV status. The test uses a first-void urine specimen, no swab required. For anal HPV testing, please consult a colorectal specialist as Mediway does not perform anal HPV testing.
- Genital warts are visible and can be diagnosed clinically. Treatment is available; we refer to specialists for wart removal.
- Vaccinating men reduces community transmission, protecting female partners even where direct male benefit is debated.
Your privacy, fully protected
HPV-related care is sensitive for many patients. Privacy is protected end-to-end.
- Discreet clinic locationBasement level of The Riverwalk, inside a shared medical floor, not a street-front storefront.
- No records shared with insurers or employers by defaultHPV test results, vaccination records, and pap smear results are not shared with insurers, employers, or other third parties unless you specifically request it. HPV and cervical screening are not on the MOH list of notifiable infectious diseases; vaccination is recorded in the National Immunisation Registry as standard.
- Self-pay optionPay privately for HPV services to keep them entirely outside insurance systems.
- Digital result deliveryPhone, WhatsApp, or secure email, whichever you prefer.
- PDPA-compliant handlingData managed per Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act. See our full Privacy Policy.
Frequently asked questions
01 What is HPV?
02 What's the difference between high-risk and low-risk HPV?
03 Do men need HPV vaccination too?
04 Can HPV be cured?
05 If I'm sexually active, is the HPV vaccine still worth it?
06 How often should I get a pap smear in Singapore?
07 Is HPV testing available for men?
Book HPV Vaccination or Testing
Located at The Riverwalk, a 2-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT (Exit E). Same-day slots usually available.
Directions
Located in central Singapore, just a 2-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT.
Mon–Fri before 5/6pm: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm
Mon–Fri after 5/6pm: $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day
Sat: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm, $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day
Sun/PH: $3.21/entry from 7am to 7am the following day
Exit E. 2-minute walk along the river towards The Riverwalk building. We are at #B1-26/29.