HPV Specialist

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and it causes few, if any, symptoms. You may not even know you have the condition until you undergo an HPV screening.

However, some with HPV may develop warts, especially on the:

• Genitals
• Feet
• Hands
• Fingers

Because warts may not relate to an HPV infection, you should have them carefully evaluated for a proper diagnosis. HPV infections can increase your risk for certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer, which is why it’s important you receive regular screenings.

How did I get HPV?

HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact with infected persons, often spread through sexual activity. However, you can also contract HPV when the virus enters your body through a cut, abrasion, or other open wound.

To prevent infection with HPV through sexual contact, you should always use condoms, even if you’re already on another form of birth control.

In public places, you should always wear shoes, especially in public pool areas and locker rooms.

What are the symptoms of HPV infections?

HPV infections may be hard to detect since they usually do not cause symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Genital warts
• Warts on your hands, fingers, or other parts of your body
• Flat warts that show up anywhere on your body
• Plantar warts that grow on the bottom of your feet

How is HPV diagnosed?

The team at The Women's Specialists of Fayette often performs HPV screenings during your routine pelvic exam and Pap smear.

If your test results are abnormal, your physician may recommend a retest or another diagnostic procedure, known as a colposcopy. During a colposcopy, your physician may perform a biopsy, removing a small piece of tissue for further analysis to identify cancerous cells.

What treatment options are available for HPV?

If you develop HPV-related warts, they may resolve on their own, over time, without treatment. Your provider at The Women’s Specialists of Fayette creates a custom treatment plan to treat warts that don’t go away using one or more techniques, such as:

• Laser therapy
• Topical salicylic acids
• Immune-boosting medications
• Chemical agents to burn warts
• Cryotherapy to freeze warts

In some cases, minimally invasive surgical procedures can be effective in removing warts that aren’t addressed by other treatments.

Additionally, the team at The Women's Specialists of Fayette offers HPV vaccines that can reduce your risk for contracting the infection. HPV vaccinations are effective at protecting you from strains of the HPV virus that are likely to cause cancer.

How can I reduce my risk of HPV infections?

The most effective way to reduce the risk of HPV infections is abstinence. Using condoms is another way to help protect you. HVP vaccinations are also available and can protect you from the strains that cause cervical cancer. It is also important to keep your feet covered in a locker room or public pool area to prevent infections.

To learn more about treating and preventing HPV and cervical cancer, schedule a consultation with The Women's Specialists of Fayette today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.