How Not to Miss HPV

28 octombrie 2025

2 min de lectură

Deschide ghid Deschide colecția Deschide seria

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?

Concluzii cheie

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

Pentru cine este

Persoane care explorează Women's health prin intermediul STDs, HPV.

De ce contează

Acest articol te ajută să te orientezi rapid, apoi să treci la o colecție sau serie dacă vrei să continui.

Autorul articolului

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.

Continuă lectura

Women's health#Pap test

What Does the Pap Test Show and Who Needs It?

The Pap test (also referred to as the Pap smear) is one of the most common types of cytological analyses that every woman faces. How often women should have it done and why it's important?

Dr. Asya28 oct. 2025

Women's health#gynecology

Is a Special Diet Necessary to Solve Gynecological Problems?

Do you need a special diet for gynecological problems? In most cases, this is not necessary. However, there are exceptions.

Dr. Helga9 dec. 2025

Bacterial and viral infections#HPV

Is the HPV Vaccine Worth It?

Everyone has encountered the human papillomavirus (HPV) in one way or another. Thanks to today’s vaccines, it is possible to avoid the unpleasant consequences of this infection. In this article we will explain who needs to be vaccinated, when they should be vaccinated, and which vaccine to choose.

Dr. Mary28 oct. 2025

Preventive Oncology#cancer

Cancer Signs Women Should Be Aware Of

Cancer threatens men and women equally. Still, there are some cancers that affect only women. What should women know about how to detect cancers as soon as possible?

Dr. Olessia28 oct. 2025

Instalează Ornament pentru a nu doar citi aceste articole, ci și pentru a-ți urmări sănătatea, a stoca rezultatele analizelor și a accesa alte funcții utile

Instalează Ornament