The warts in her genital area caused Mai embarrassment and discomfort with her boyfriend. Ashamed to seek professional medical help, she bought medication based on a friend's recommendation and visited a clinic heavily advertised online, spending 20 million VND on treatment. However, her condition didn't improve and her money was running out, so Mai turned to online forums for advice.

"I haven't told my family, especially since I spent my tuition money on this treatment. I'm afraid they'll be ashamed of me," Mai said, adding that she's trying to find a way to afford treatment at a reputable medical facility while also ensuring she can pay her tuition.

Many genital warts patients experience anxiety and depression. Illustration: Vecteezy

Many genital warts patients experience anxiety and depression. Illustration: Vecteezy

Phuong Anh, 25, from Hanoi, discovered she had genital warts on her cervix when she was 9 weeks pregnant. A local clinic quoted her 15 million VND for electrocautery and she's unsure if the treatment will affect her baby. Worrying about the disease has caused her many sleepless nights.

Duy Phuong, 23, from Nghe An, feels helpless as the warts keep returning after multiple treatments. About two years ago, Phuong contracted genital warts caused by HPV type 6. The initial treatment cost 10 million VND but was unsuccessful, leaving him demoralized.

Doctor Le Thi Minh Nguyet, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, explained that genital warts are a contagious disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), usually types 6 and 11. The disease manifests as small, pink or skin-colored warts in the genital area of both men and women.

Research at Can Tho City Dermatology Hospital found that 81.1% of genital wart patients are between the ages of 14 and 35; over 61% are female. More than 60% experience itching and pain, and over 62% live with anxiety and depression.

Another study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases indicates a recurrence rate of genital warts as high as 44.3%, significantly impacting patients' quality of life, both financially and emotionally. A study on recurrent genital warts in men living in Brazil, the US, and Mexico, also published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, found that the recurrence rate at a previously infected site is up to 44.3%, with the possibility of up to 10 recurrences within 50.4 months.

Adults receive vaccinations at VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Khanh Hoa

Adults receive vaccinations at VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Khanh Hoa

HPV is commonly transmitted through unprotected sex, including vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. It can also spread through sharing personal items like towels and underwear. In rare cases, it can be transmitted from mother to child. There are approximately 200 identified HPV types, around 40 of which affect the genitals, and 14 high-risk types can lead to cancer.

Doctor Nguyet recommends vaccination as the most effective preventive measure. Vietnam has two types of HPV vaccines: Gardasil, which protects against 4 types for females aged 9-26; and Gardasil 9, a newer generation that protects against 9 types for males and females aged 9-45.

Females aged 9 to under 14 only need two doses of Gardasil, 6-12 months apart. Those aged 14-26 need three doses.

For Gardasil 9, the schedule for people aged 9 to under 15 is two doses, 6-12 months apart. People aged 15-45 need three doses within 6 months.

Even those who have already contracted the disease should still get vaccinated to prevent reinfection and protect against other HPV types. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are also important.

Hoang Duong

*Names have been changed.