Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that spreads through sexual contact. If left untreated, it can cause cancer and other serious medical issues such as genital warts. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and it is estimated that nearly 80 million people in the country are currently infected with HPV. Fortunately, several ways to protect yourself from HPV include getting vaccinated and using condoms. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to HPV, be sure to talk to an Orlando HPV specialist. They can recommend some treatments to help you manage the condition.
Symptoms of HPV
The symptoms of HPV vary depending on which strain of the virus a person has been infected with. Some strains of HPV do not cause any symptoms, while others can lead to genital warts or cancer if left untreated. The most common sign of HPV infection is genital warts, which result in tiny bumps around your genitals and anal area. HPV also causes warts, flat bumps, or sores on different body parts. In some cases, HPV can also lead to cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor right away.
Diagnosis
To diagnose HPV, an STD specialist will need a physical examination. They may also want to run some lab tests to confirm their diagnosis. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have recently had sex because they will diagnose HPV more quickly if there is enough of the virus present during the examination.
Treatments for HPV
There is no cure for HPV, but several treatments can help manage the condition. Treatment options include medication, surgery, or laser therapy. In most cases, your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments to manage your symptoms.
How to protect yourself from HPV
There is no sure way to prevent HPV, but you can lower your chances of getting the virus. Use condoms every time you have sex. Condoms don’t fully protect against HPV, but they can help reduce your risk of getting HPV or spreading it to another person. The male condom protects the penis, and the female condom also protects the vulva (the outer part of a woman’s genitals).
The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that prevents human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is given as three shots over six months. It is recommended for children between 11 and 12, so they are unlikely to have been exposed to HPV before vaccination, but it is approved for use in older children. The vaccines provide protection from cancer-causing types of HPV but do not eliminate infection with HPV, so vaccine recipients still require regular screening for cervical cancer.
In summary, HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus. The severity of the symptoms varies from patient to patient, but you can experience genital warts, which result in tiny bumps around your genitals and anal area. You need a physical exam to diagnose HPV. There is no cure for HPV, but several treatments can help manage the condition. You can prevent the disease through protected sex and vaccination.
