HPV FAQ

Millions of Americans are affected by HPV and the numbers continue to grow each year due to the contagious nature of the virus. So, what is HPV? HPV basically stands for human papillomavirus. It is a group of viruses that infect the skin and cause abnormal cell growth as in the case of warts. There are over 50 different types of HPV that can cause genital warts, cervical dysplasia, flat warts and many other symptoms. Let’s talk about HPV and its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

How Many People Actually Have HPV?

Although HPV symptoms are sometimes rarely present, HPV in general is actually very common. A person with HPV may not even know that he or she has the virus because symptoms don’t always show. Studies of men 17 to 80 years old have shown that 28 percent of them had HPV that progressed to the development of warts. Furthermore, women were three times more at risk for HPV if they have had miscarriages. Despite the large prevalence of HPV, many still wonder what is HPV. In general, HPV is prevalent among those who are sexually active or often engage in promiscuous sexual activity.

How Is HPV Transmitted?

A person can pass HPV to another person through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The virus can also be transmitted by contact with the skin on the genital. Moreover, HPV can be passed on from an infected pregnant mother to her baby. The virus can infect regardless if symptoms are visible or not.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms To Look Out For?

No one can really watch out for symptoms to determine HPV infection. In fact, most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms. This makes it hard for a person to notice any abnormal changes in the body after being infected. In some women, infections may cause abnormal cell growth or dysplasia on the cervix. In other cases genital warts appear. Wart growths can occur in the vagina, lips of the vagina, areas surrounding the anus, and in rare cases, in the mouth or throat.

The growths are typified as red swellings, moistness, tenderness, and itchiness on the affected areas. They can be raised, flat, single, multiple, large, tiny, or the shape of a cauliflower. Bleeding and soreness can sometimes occur. HPV symptoms often appear 3 weeks to several years after initial infection.

How Can I Make Sure I Don’t Have HPV?

Only a proper diagnosis can tell you whether you have HPV or not. If growths are large, a doctor can simply examine these visually. Pap smears can confirm pre-cancerous conditions triggered by HPV (in women). Biopsies are also commonly done during diagnosis.

Can HPV Be Treated?

Applying topical creams can treat genital warts. Abnormal growths can also be treated by freezing or burning techniques. When treating cervical abnormalities, the affected tissue is removed as demonstrated in a LEEP procedure.

The question what is HPV and its treatment can be difficult to answer. Sometimes, HPV actually does not require treatment. The body can get rid of symptoms naturally in about two years. On the other hand, HPV has been linked to cervical cancer. The only best thing to do is to get a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment after HPV has been determined.