How Not to Miss HPV

October 28, 2025

2 min read

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is so widespread that it infects almost 80 million people in the United States alone. However, you can live with HPV all your life and never find out about it or find out too late. How can you make sure you don't miss the symptoms?

Key takeaways

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is so widespread that it infects almost 80 million people in the United States alone.
Alarming symptoms
Be vigilant

Who this is for

People exploring Women's health through STDs, HPV.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Mary

Dermatovenerologist

Alarming symptoms

HPV is a group of sexually transmitted viruses. There are more than 170 different types of HPV. Many of them are quite harmless, but 13 strains can cause cancer. External signs of HPV may not appear for a long time, because the immune system successfully fights them. However, the following symptoms should be paid attention to:

Spicy condylomas: flat, small bumps that look like cauliflower. In women, they occur mostly on the vulva, but can also form near the anus, on the cervix or in the vagina. In men, they appear on the penis and scrotum or around the anus. Acute condylomas rarely cause discomfort or pain, although they may itch or be painful.
Common warts: rough, raised bumps. Typically occurring on hands and fingers, they are rough to the touch. Most of the time they are simply unaesthetic, but they can sometimes hurt and be damaged.
Plantar warts: hard, gritty growths that usually appear on the heels or pads of the feet. They cause discomfort when walking.
Flat warts: flat, smooth and slightly raised, they form on the face or feet.

Any warts are a manifestation of HPV.

Be vigilant

HPV screening should be done every 1 to 3 years for all women. Unscheduled diagnosis is necessary when condylomas appear, as well as some time after unprotected sexual intercourse with an untested partner.

The following tests are used for diagnosis:

PAP test: cytologic analysis that detects pathologic changes in the cells of the cervix.
PCR test: molecular genetic testing method to determine the DNA of the virus.
Some clinics also offer anal screening for men.

Women over age 65 may stop being screened if they have had three normal PAP tests in a row or two HPV DNA tests.

Beware of cancer

HPV infections are the cause of almost all cervical cancers. Strains 16 and 18 cause cancer most often. HPV can also cause cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and some other cancers.

Can HPV be cured?

There is still no cure for HPV, so patients with dangerous strains are prescribed antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy to lower the titer of the virus and reduce its infectiousness. If condylomas cause discomfort, they are removed using various methods.

If a woman has been diagnosed with a dangerous strain of HPV, she should be tested at least once a year to monitor the virus activation.

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