Human Papillomavirus (HPV) / Genital Warts
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What is it?
HPV is the most common STI in the United States and is the virus that causes genital warts. It is a virus with over 100 different strains, 30 of which are sexually transmitted. The types of HPV that infect the genital area are called genital HPV. It can infect the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside of the vagina), anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum.
How do I get it?
- Genital contact, most often through vaginal or anal sex.
- Oral sex.
- A pregnant woman can pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery.
- Most persons infected are often unaware of their infection.
Symptoms
- Most have no symptoms and the infection will clear on its own.
- Some get visible genital warts.
- Genital warts can occur singularly or in groups. These warts can be soft, moist, flat or raised, small or large, and are sometimes cauliflower shaped. Warts can occur on the vagina, vulva, cervix, groin area, anus, penis, scrotum or thigh.
- They may cause itching, burning and discomfort.
- The warts can only be diagnosed through visual inspection.
Potential Complications
- Possible precancerous cells on the cervix, which can lead to cervical, vulva or vaginal cancer if left untreated.
- In very rare cases, HPV can also lead to penile or anal cancer in men.
Testing
- There is no test that can guarantee you are not infected with HPV.
In women
- Pap test.
- Cervical swab test.
- Inspection of visible genital warts.
In men
- Inspection of visible genital warts.
Treatment
- There is no direct treatment for HPV.
- There is treatment for the changes that HPV can cause, such as genital warts and abnormalities on the cervix. These should be discussed with your health care provider.
- Even after treatment, HPV may still remain in your body.
- Most HPV goes away on it’s own.
Prevention
- Abstinence or a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
- Latex or polyurethane condoms can greatly reduce the chances of transmitting HPV during sex.
- There is also a new vaccine called Gardasil, which protects against the four types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
- This vaccine is currently available to women ages 6-26. Males age 9-26 years of age may also get the HPV vaccine to prevent genital warts. As with females, it is best to be vaccinated before the first sexual contact.
