Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is highly contagious. HPV infections cause genital warts and cancers to the outlet of the womb (cervix), birth canal (vagina), opening of the birth canal (vulva), and anus. There are over 100 types of HPV. Unless wartlike lesions are present in the throat or there are genital warts that you can see or feel, HPV usually does not cause symptoms. It is possible to be infected for long periods and pass it on to others without knowing it.
What are the causes?
HPV is spread from person to person through sexual contact. This includes oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition: …show more content…
Most people carrying HPV do not have any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include:
Wartlike lesions in the throat (from having oral sex).
Warts in the infected skin or mucous membranes.
Genital warts that may itch, burn, or bleed.
Genital warts that bleed or may be painful during sexual intercourse.
How is this diagnosed?
If wartlike lesions are present in the throat or if genital warts are present, your health care provider can usually diagnose HPV by physical examination.
Genital warts are easily seen with the naked eye.
Currently, there is no FDA-approved test to detect HPV in males.
In females, a Pap test can show cells that are infected with HPV.
In females, a scope can be used to view the cervix (colposcopy). A colposcopy can be performed if the pelvic exam or Pap test is abnormal. A sample of tissue may be removed for testing during the colposcopy (biopsy).
How is this treated?
There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems and symptoms HPV can cause. Your health care provider will follow you closely after you are treated. This is because the HPV can come back and may need treatment again. Treatment of HPV may …show more content…
The first Pap test should be done at age 21 years.
Between ages 21 and 29 years, Pap tests are repeated every 2 years.
Beginning at age 30, you are advised to have a Pap test every 3 years as long as your past 3 Pap tests have been normal.
Some women have medical problems that increase the chance of getting cervical cancer. Talk to your health care provider about these problems. It is especially important to talk to your health care provider if a new problem develops soon after your last Pap test. In these cases, your health care provider may recommend more frequent screening and Pap tests.
The above recommendations are the same for women who have or have not gotten the vaccine for HPV.
If you had a hysterectomy for a problem that was not a cancer or a condition that could lead to cancer, then you no longer need Pap tests. However, even if you no longer need a Pap test, a regular exam is a good idea to make sure no other problems start.
If you are between the ages of 65 and 70 years and you have had normal Pap tests going back 10 years, you no longer need Pap tests. However, even if you no longer need a Pap test, a regular exam is a good idea to make sure no other problems
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is highly contagious. HPV infections cause genital warts and cancers to the outlet of the womb (cervix), birth canal (vagina), opening of the birth canal (vulva), and anus. There are over 100 types of HPV. Unless wartlike lesions are present in the throat or there are genital warts that you can see or feel, HPV usually does not cause symptoms. It is possible to be infected for long periods and pass it on to others without knowing it.
What are the causes?
HPV is spread from person to person through sexual contact. This includes oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition: …show more content…
Most people carrying HPV do not have any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include:
Wartlike lesions in the throat (from having oral sex).
Warts in the infected skin or mucous membranes.
Genital warts that may itch, burn, or bleed.
Genital warts that bleed or may be painful during sexual intercourse.
How is this diagnosed?
If wartlike lesions are present in the throat or if genital warts are present, your health care provider can usually diagnose HPV by physical examination.
Genital warts are easily seen with the naked eye.
Currently, there is no FDA-approved test to detect HPV in males.
In females, a Pap test can show cells that are infected with HPV.
In females, a scope can be used to view the cervix (colposcopy). A colposcopy can be performed if the pelvic exam or Pap test is abnormal. A sample of tissue may be removed for testing during the colposcopy (biopsy).
How is this treated?
There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems and symptoms HPV can cause. Your health care provider will follow you closely after you are treated. This is because the HPV can come back and may need treatment again. Treatment of HPV may …show more content…
The first Pap test should be done at age 21 years.
Between ages 21 and 29 years, Pap tests are repeated every 2 years.
Beginning at age 30, you are advised to have a Pap test every 3 years as long as your past 3 Pap tests have been normal.
Some women have medical problems that increase the chance of getting cervical cancer. Talk to your health care provider about these problems. It is especially important to talk to your health care provider if a new problem develops soon after your last Pap test. In these cases, your health care provider may recommend more frequent screening and Pap tests.
The above recommendations are the same for women who have or have not gotten the vaccine for HPV.
If you had a hysterectomy for a problem that was not a cancer or a condition that could lead to cancer, then you no longer need Pap tests. However, even if you no longer need a Pap test, a regular exam is a good idea to make sure no other problems start.
If you are between the ages of 65 and 70 years and you have had normal Pap tests going back 10 years, you no longer need Pap tests. However, even if you no longer need a Pap test, a regular exam is a good idea to make sure no other problems