What is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is an STD that affects 79 million Americans. Many late teens and young adults are infected with this common virus. There are over 200 types of HPV, and 40 of these affect the genitals.
Some forms of HPV cause genital warts and cancers, which is why regular HPV screening when you’re sexually active is so important.
What are the symptoms and complications of HPV?
If you’ve contracted HPV, you might not have any symptoms at all. Many forms of HPV clear on their own within 1-2 years, but others do not and cause cancer. Possible symptoms and complication from HPV include:
- Genital warts
- Cervical cancer
- Cancer of the vulva, penis, anus, or vagina
- Oral or throat cancer
- Cancer of the upper respiratory tract
- Lesions on your tonsils, tongue, soft palate, nose, or larynx
How is HPV spread?
HPV spreads through sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Having sexual intercourse with new or multiple partners increases your risk of contracting HPV. Condoms reduce the chance you’ll get HPV but don't eliminate your risk entirely.
How is HPV diagnosed and treated?
If you’re sexually active and at risk for HPV, or if you notice genital warts, call Dr. Martinez for a screening. They’ll use a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer, and an HPV test to diagnose HPV.
If you have HPV, Dr. Martinez can remove them or treat them wtih prescription medications. Precancerous cervical cells found with a Pap test are monitored and removed if they begin changing into cervical cancer.
There’s no cure for HPV, but routine testing helps prevent complications that may arise.
How can I prevent HPV?
The best way to prevent HPV is to abstain from sexual intercourse, have sex with only one partner known not to have HPV, or get the HPV vaccine. Using condoms helps reduce your risk, but doesn’t eliminate your risk, of contracting HPV.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following people receive HPV vaccines:
- Boys and girls at the age of 11 or 12
- Men through age 21 and women through age 26 who haven’t already been vaccinated
- Gay and bisexual men through age 26
- Men and women with compromised immune systems, including people with HIV/AIDS
If you’re at risk for HPV, have symptoms, or would like the HPV vaccine, call Femhealth Group to learn more, or book an appointment online.
