Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more common than you may think. Some are dangerous and can lead to infertility and other problems that can last a lifetime without treatment. You should get tested if you are at risk.
What is Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is a different virus than HSV (Herpes). HPV is so common, that nearly everyone who has multiple partners is exposed to HPV. There are many different types of HPV. Strains 16, 18 and 45 can cause cellular changes that lead to cervical cancer. Genital warts can be caused by multiple strains of HPV.
Transmission and Manifestation of HPV
HPV is spread by sexual contact during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an individual who has the virus. It is spread with skin-to-skin contact during sex. A condom offers limited protection from HPV, because the exposure can occur above the condom. It can also be spread by hand to the mouth, vagina, penis, anus, and/or eye area. HPV can be passed even when an infected person displays no signs or symptoms.
Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person who has HPV. You can also develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected, making it hard to know when you first contacted the infection.
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. When HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems, such as genital warts and some types of cancer.
Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like cauliflower.
HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.
Your risk for one or more multiple strains of HPV increase with the more sexual partners either you or your partner have had.
Testing & Treatment
Pap smear screening can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. Pap Smears detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Abnormal cells can be treated to stop the progression that leads to cancer. A Pap smear is the test that collects cervical cells and sends them to a lab so they can be reviewed under a high-powered microscope.
Phoenix Women’s Clinic providers use Cryotherapy to treat external warts. Since the HPV virus is not limited to the wart alone, it is also important to freeze the skin around it. There is no way to know the exact area of skin where the HPV has infected, so HPV may still be present even after the wart is gone. Therefore, it is still possible to transmit it to another individual.
Phoenix Women’s Clinic’s office visit is $35. Cryotherapy treatment starts at $40 and is subject to increase, depending on how many areas are treated during the office visit. Pap smear screening is offered for $60.
Learn more about Cryotherapy here:
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- Call: 602 305-5100 7th St Location
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Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phoenix, AZ 85009