- HPV has several strains that cause genital warts; these strains are also called low risk. Genital warts can be found on the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, cervix, rectum or anus. Warts are flesh-colored growths that may look like cauliflower. Warts are generally painless, but for some people may itch. Treatment is available to remove warts.
- Some strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer; these strains are called high risk. If a woman is infected with a high-risk strain and her immune system does not eliminate the virus, she may develop abnormal cervical cells. Abnormal cervical cells can be detected with a Pap Test and may be possible to treat. If untreated, abnormal cells may lead to cervical cancer. Women with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for cervical cancer.
- It is not fully known how long HPV can stay in the body. Research indicates that people with healthy immune systems will eliminate the virus; some estimates give a timeframe of eight to 13 months. For some people, however, the virus will stay in the body, usually causing no symptoms or problems. If the immune system weakens, symptoms may reappear.
- There is a vaccine available in the United States that prevents four strains of HPV. Two strains cause 70 percent of all cervical cancer infections; the other two strains cause 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine is approved for use in women and girls ages 11 to 26. The vaccine is given in three doses; the second dose two months after the first and the third dose six months after the first. It is recommended that girls between 11 and 12 be given the vaccine because it is most effective before exposure to HPV. If a woman has had HPV in the past, the vaccine can protect her against any of the four strains she has not yet been exposed to.
- HPV is a very common infection. There is a test for HPV but it is only recommended for women who are over 30 or have had an abnormal Pap Test. There is no HPV test for men; almost all men with HPV will get rid of the virus without treatment. Since most people will get rid of HPV without treatment, your doctor will only know you have HPV if you have symptoms such as genital warts or abnormal cervical cells.
Comments
mandasabs said
on 12/18/2009 From everything I've researched, HPV never goes away. Instead it goes dormant and may never cause symptoms again, or will leave dormancy and cause warts or cervical dysplasia. But it's never cured.