The First Symptoms of HPV
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of more than 100 viruses that cause over 6 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases every year. The most well-known HPV infection is genital warts.
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Cause
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An HPV infection occurs when the virus enters your body via a break in the skin or through sexual intercourse, depending upon the type of HPV.
Symptoms
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Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts, although most people infected with an HPV do not develop symptoms and are not aware they are carrying the virus, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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Types
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There are two types of HPV---low-risk and high-risk. The low-risk types of HPV are the ones that cause warts, while high-risk types can cause cervical cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Diagnosis
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In order to diagnose a HPV infection, your doctor may conduct a visual inspection of the area, perform a pap test or a DNA test in case the infection is a high-risk one.
Treatment
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There is no cure for HPV, but the warts often go away with no additional treatment once your immune system eliminates the virus. High-risk lesions may be surgically removed to lower the chance of cancer.
Prevention/Solution
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There is a vaccine available for 11- and 12-year-old girls to protect against four types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Responsible sexual practices may also reduce the risk of HPV, such as wearing a condom.
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