As a nurse, Ngozi knew what genital warts looked like when she saw them in patients. Seeing them on herself was completely different. Two months of avoidance ended when she came to Mascot Healthcare — and left with treatment and perspective.
Nurse, Isale Eko. Presented with 2-month history of multiple small, flesh-coloured, cauliflower-shaped papules on the vulva and perineum. Had been avoiding examining the area herself due to anxiety. Co-infection screen requested. Three distinct clusters — some as small as 2 mm.
Vulval Condylomata Acuminata (HPV)Ngozi knew. When she examined herself and felt the small rough growths on the labia, she knew immediately what they were. She had cared for patients with genital warts. She knew they were common. She knew they were treatable. She knew none of this helped how she felt.
For two months she told herself she would book an appointment "next week." She missed six "next weeks." A nursing colleague — to whom she had confided — finally walked her to the appointment booking desk at the end of a shift and waited with her while she booked.
At Mascot Healthcare, the doctor was matter-of-fact and unsurprised. "You waited two months," the doctor said. "Most people wait longer. You shouldn't have had to wait at all — these are very treatable."
Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) from HPV are common, treatable, and manageable. The barrier to care is often not access — but the stigma and anxiety that make self-diagnosis and clinic attendance difficult.
Three distinct clusters of cauliflower-textured, flesh-coloured papules on the labia majora and perineum.
Range from tiny pinpoint lesions to one 8 mm confluent cluster.
Warts were entirely asymptomatic — noticed only on self-examination.
Ngozi had noticed the warts in month 1 but delayed presentation due to shame and anxiety.
Intermittent mild itching — particularly in warm weather.
Applied tea tree oil to one wart — caused local irritation; no antiviral effect.
Considered ordering podophyllin online — correctly decided against self-treating an area she hadn't been clinically assessed.
Three cryotherapy sessions were planned, 4 weeks apart. All visible lesions were treated in the first session — a brief application of liquid nitrogen to each wart cluster, causing a localised freeze that destroys the wart tissue over 1–2 weeks.
Co-infection screen: HIV (negative), syphilis VDRL (negative), chlamydia/gonorrhoea NAAT (negative). HPV cervical screening (smear) was arranged — Ngozi was due for her first screening.
Counselling: HPV is present in over 80% of sexually active people at some point. Most HPV clears spontaneously. Warts are caused by non-oncogenic HPV types (6, 11) — different from the cancer-causing types (16, 18) screened for in smear tests.
Vulval Condylomata Acuminata — HPV (multiple clusters; clinical diagnosis; co-infection screen negative)
Cryotherapy × 3 sessions (4-weekly); co-infection screen; cervical smear arranged; HPV counselling; self-check education
At session 2: 80% reduction in wart size/number. At session 3: near-complete clearance. Residual small lesion treated with a prescription cream.
Near-complete clearance after 3 cryotherapy sessions, with a prescription cream for the residual lesion. Co-infection screen clear. Cervical smear normal.
Genital warts carry enough stigma that even healthcare professionals who know they are common and treatable delay seeking care. The two-month wait served only to increase anxiety — not to resolve the warts.
Treatment is effective and straightforward. The most important step is attending the first appointment.
Genital warts are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. The sooner you come in, the simpler the treatment.
Book an appointment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka — same-day slots often available, 4.9★ rated.