Everything You Need to Know about Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that causes warts to develop on different parts of your body, depending on the strain of the virus.

HPV Is More Common Than You Might Realize

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), affecting more than 42 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Another 13 million Americans become infected each year, and most of these new infections occur in teens. The CDC says that almost everyone will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

HPV Can Cause Cancer

Some HPV infections can even cause cancer in specific areas of your body, such as:

• Cervix, vagina, and vulva
• Penis
• Anus
• Back of your throat, including the base of your tongue and tonsils

In fact, HPV causes about 36,000 cases of cancer each year in both men and women.

How HPV Spreads

The virus spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, such as having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who is infected with HPV – even if they do not have symptoms.

Symptoms of HPV

HPV doesn’t always cause symptoms, so most people who have the virus don’t realize it. Sometimes HPV can cause genital warts, which are painless growths or lumps that appear around your vagina, penis, or anus.

Diagnosing HPV

If you have warts, your doctor may be able to diagnose HPV by looking at the warts. If you do not have visible warts, your doctor may use one or more of the following tests:

• Vinegar (acetic acid) solution test – this vinegar solution makes it easier to see flat warts produced by some types of HPV.
• Pap smear – a collection of cells from your cervix or vagina that can help your doctor spot abnormalities that can lead to cancer.
• DNA tests – conducted on cells from the cervix.

Treatment of HPV

There is no cure for HPV. Fortunately, most HPV infections go away by themselves within two years. Treatment can help reduce the appearance of warts. These treatments include topical medications, surgical removal, or removal with lasers, liquid nitrogen, or an electric current.

Preventing HPV

Vaccination can prevent infection with HPV. To be effective, though, you must receive the vaccination at the right time in life. The CDC recommends children between the ages of 11 and 12 years receive two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart. A child may receive their first dose as early as 9 years old. Those who start the vaccine between the ages of 15 and 26 should receive three doses administered over the course of 6 months.

Schedule Your HPV Appointment

If you have questions about human papillomavirus, contact your team of healthcare professionals at Women’s Health Medical Group, PA, by calling 817-346-5336 or filling out our online form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!