Untreated HPV

What is the human papillomavirus?

The Human Papillomavirus is a virus that affects different parts of the body. Over 100 HPV strains exist, some of which cause Warts to appear on the hands, feet, or face. Around 30 HPV strains are capable of affecting your genitals. This includes your vulva and vagina as well as cervix and penis, as well as rectum and the anus.

The HPV virus that affects the genital area is a sexually transmissible infection that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. STIs make many people cringe, but most genital strains of HPV are harmless. This includes the HPV strain that causes genital lesions.

Certain HPV strains are cancer-causing and high-risk, such as cervical carcinoma. Early detection and treatment are usually able to prevent this.

All warts are HPV?

Yes. This can be confusing, especially when trying to distinguish between the HPV which causes warts on your finger and genitals from the HPV which may cause cervical cancer.

HPV strains which cause warts are a nuisance. Warts are not something anyone wants, especially on the genitals. These HPV types are still harmless. HPV types 6 & 11 are the most common cause of genital warts. HPV types 6 and 11 are also responsible for:

• Flat warts.
• Plantar Warts.
• Common warts
• Periungal and subungual warts.

Not all HPV causes warts. The HPV type that can lead to cancer does not cause warts.

What is the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer?

Several HPV strains (most commonly types 16 and 18), can lead to changes in your cervix’s cells, a condition known as cervical Dysplasia. The cervix is a small opening that connects your vagina to your uterus. Cervical dysplasia can sometimes progress to cervical cancer if left untreated.

Most HPV infections will go away on their own if you are under 30. If you are under 30, the HPV found during a Pap smear (a test to screen for cervical cancer) will determine how frequently you should be tested. You may need to get more frequent tests if you test positive.

It is crucial to get regular Paps done in order to screen for cervical carcinoma. It’s important to keep in mind that having HPV or dysplasia does not mean you will get cancer.

Who does HPV affect?

HPV can be spread to anyone who has sex with or skin-to-skin contact with someone with the virus. Anyone with the virus is able to spread it during sexual contact, oral sex and anal sex.

HPV in women

HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer in women and people who were assigned female at birth. HPV and Pap tests can detect cancerous changes in the cervix early. HPV forms that are harmless can cause genital lesions in women, including those with AFAB.

HPV in men

Men and those who were born male (AMAB) are at lower risk of HPV. AMABs are at risk of genital warts. However, most infections will clear up on their own. HPV can cause cancer of the penis, anus and head or neck. However, these cancers are very rare. HPV and Pap tests for AMAB are not recommended.

If you are HIV negative, your immune system might have a hard time fighting HPV. You may be more at risk for contracting cancerous HPV strains if you have sex with someone who has a penis and they also have a penis (MSM). Your provider may suggest an anal Pap in this situation. Anal Paps don’t detect HPV but can check for changes in cells that could lead to cancer. You can ask your doctor if you need to be tested.

It’s vital to get vaccinated against HPV and practice safer sexual practices, regardless of the shape of your reproductive system.

How common is HPV?

HPV is by far the most common STI found in the United States. Around 14 million people are infected every year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is such a common virus that many sexually active individuals who have not been vaccinated will get infected. The virus is often not known to the majority.

Symptoms and causes

What are the symptoms associated with HPV?

HPV in your genitals usually doesn’t cause symptoms. Warts on your genital region are the most common symptom of HPV. The warts look like cauliflowers and are raised on the skin. The warts may not appear for weeks, but they can last months or years. They are harmless, but contagious.

cancer is often not diagnosed until high-risk HPV forms have progressed. The most common HPV-related cancer is cervical cancer. Other cancers are rarer. Other types of cancer are much rarer.

• Anal Cancer
• Penile Cancer
• Throat Cancer.
• Vaginal Cancer
• Vulvar Cancer

It’s important to keep in mind that HPV, even a strain with a high risk of cancer development, does not guarantee that cancer will develop.

How can you contract HPV?

Skin-to-skin transmission occurs during oral sex, anal sex, and intercourse. Your genitals, including your vulva and vagina, your cervix and penis, your scrotum and scrotum as well as your anus and rectum, can be infected by a partner who is infected. Hand-to-genital contacts, such as fingering or hand jobs, can spread the virus. This type of transmission has been studied less and is less likely.

How easily is HPV transmitted?

HPV is contagious in part because it’s spread through skin-to-skin contact. You or your partner do not need to exchange body fluids to get the virus. Even if neither you nor your partner ejaculates, the virus can be transmitted.

Diagnosis & Tests

What tests can you perform to diagnose HPV?

Usually, a healthcare provider can diagnose genital Warts by simply looking. The high-risk HPV forms don’t usually cause symptoms. This means that you will likely find out about the infection by undergoing a routine Pap smear.

• A Pap Smear: This test screens for cervical dysplasia and cancerous cells (cervical cancer) that can develop if untreated. HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer.
• Test: HPV tests can detect high-risk strains that could lead to cervical carcinoma if not treated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any tests to identify HPV in the vulva or vagina. HPV-related cancers in these parts of the body are far less common than cervical carcinoma.

Other tests that can be used to detect abnormal cells caused by HPV include:

• A colposcopy may be ordered by your provider if the Pap test shows abnormal cells, or if HPV was detected. A lighted instrument, called a “colposcope”, magnifies the cervix to reveal abnormal cells. The cells may be removed and tested in the lab for signs that precancer or a cancer is present ( biopsy).
• Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA):Providers can use VIA where they do not have the resources to perform regular Pap tests or HPV testing. Your provider will apply a vinegar-based liquid to your cervix. The solution makes abnormal cells appear white, making them easier to detect.

Treatment and Management

What is the treatment of HPV?

The virus cannot be eradicated by treatment. They can remove warts visible on your genitals, and abnormal cells within your cervix. Treatments include:

• The Cryosurgery: Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen or destroying abnormal cell growth.
• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): Use a special wire to remove warts and abnormal cells from your cervix.
• Electrocautery: Burning off warts with electrical current
• Laser Therapy: Use of intense light to destroy warts and any abnormal cells.
• Conization (cold knife cone biopsy):Removing an abnormal cell-containing cone-shaped piece from cervical tissue.
• Prescription Cream: Applying medicated lotion directly on your warts will destroy them. These creams include imiquimod, Aldara(r), and podofilox.
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): Applying a chemical that burns away warts.

A small percentage of those infected by high-risk HPV develop abnormal cervical cell growth that requires treatment.