HPV - The Human Papilloma Virus, Question & Answer Session
HPV - The Human Papilloma Virus, Question & Answer Session
1. My doctor diagnosed me with HPV genital warts two days ago and it is eating me up. When I first saw a little wart on my penis I didn't think anything of it. Now I'm really worried! What are first outbreaks generally like? How long do they last and how often do they reoccur?
Genital warts may appear or disappear at different times for people. Even if genital warts are just appearing now on your skin, your body may have been carrying the HPV virus for a long time.
For some people only a few warts appear while in others more severe viral reactions may occur. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing explains that "HPV is a very common virus, with four out of five people having it at some stage of their lives". They also state that "Genital HPV is so common that it could be considered a normal part of being a sexually active person."
With genital wart removal treatment, genital warts can disappear almost immediately. However, the HPV virus remains in your body forever, although harmless to your health.
2. I'm a 25 year old female. I just got a call from my physician telling me I have HPV. My doctor wants me to get a Coloscopy to find out if it is cancerous. Are there medications that I should take? My doctor said I should just eat more fruits and vegetables, and that HPV will disappear on its own. Is that all?? Aren't there any medications I should take??
Your doctor is concerned for your health. Some strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer in women. Your doctor thinks you need to build up your immune system. When you have a strong immune system, your body can usually fight off viruses, so no special medication is necessary. However if you think you should strengthen your immune system then there are a number of alternative options such as herbal remedies or antiviral supplements.
3. My gynecologist says I should have a Colposcopy exam to make sure the HPV I contracted is not cancerous. This sounds pretty scary. What are the risks to my health?
The truth is that HPV, in and of itself, is not very dangerous. However, if untreated, it may be harmful to your health especially for women. Read below to learn more about HPV from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing:
"A few of the many types of HPV have been linked with causing abnormalities of the cervix and in some cases the development of cancer of the cervix.
"It is important to remember that most women who have HPV clear the virus naturally and do not go on to develop cervical cancer."
"In a small number of women, the HPV stays in the cells of the cervix. When the infection is not cleared, there is an increased risk of developing abnormalities. In very rare cases, these abnormalities of the cervix can progress to cancer. When cervical cancer develops, HPV is found in almost all cases. Having regular Pap smears is the best way to ensure that any changes are monitored and managed to protect your health."
"If you have early cell changes due to HPV, there is a strong likelihood that these changes will clear up naturally in 8 to 14 months. Because of this, and the fact that cancer of the cervix takes around 10 years to develop, your doctor may recommend simply having another Pap smear in 12 months time."
4. I'm a sexually active male. My doctor just told me I have genital warts after I showed him some reddish bumps on my penis shaft. I've heard many different opinions. How easily can genital warts be spread from one person to another?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), "HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. HPV can be passed on between straight and same-sex partnerseven when the infected partner has no signs or symptoms."
Also the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing states that "Genital HPV is spread through genital skin contact during sexual activity. As viruses are microscopic, HPV can pass through tiny breaks in the skin. HPV is not spread in blood or other body fluids. While condoms are an important barrier to many sexually transmitted infections, they offer limited protection against HPV as they do not cover all of the genital skin."
5. I'm 30 years old. I am three months pregnant. I remember that about 10 years ago I was diagnosed with HPV after a few warts appeared on my vulva. When the warts went away I no longer worried about them. Now that I'm pregnant I'm worried all over again, and this time about my unborn child. What are the health risks to my unborn child and I?
Thus far, no link has been found between HPV and miscarriage, premature delivery, or other pregnancy complications.
Women who have HPV during pregnancy may worry that the HPV virus can harm their unborn child. However, in most cases, the human papillomavirus does not affect the developing baby. Nor does HPV infection usually change the way a woman is cared for during pregnancy. It is important, however, that your obstetrician know if you have a history of HPV.
Due to the fact that you're pregnant, a Pap test should be taken at the first prenatal visit. If it shows abnormalities, the doctor will order more tests.
Additional tests could include an HPV test. Cells are collected from the cervix and analyzed in the laboratory to detect the high-risk types of HPV associated with cancer. Or your doctor may decide to do a colposcopy, in which a lighted device is used to closely examine the cervix for abnormal tissue changes.
6. I recently noticed a few reddish bumps on the tip of my penis. Does anyone know if it's HPV or..??? What should I do?
You should type HPV pictures into a Google search to find out what HPV genital warts generally look like. Next, you should consult with your doctor. He'll probably run some tests and let you know what you have. Finally, become more knowledgeable by visiting online forums and other informative websites. A list of website links is available at the bottom of this page.
7. I was diagnosed with HPV last month. My gynecologist said it was quite common but I'm worried. Can I have a regular sex life now without infecting my boyfriend?
If you choose to be sexually active, condoms may lower the risk of HPV. To be most effective, they should be used with every sex act, from start to finish. Condoms may also lower the risk of developing HPV-related diseases, such as genital warts and cervical cancer. However, HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, such as the base of the penis - so condoms may not completely protect against HPV.
You can lower your chances of getting HPV by being in a faithful relationship with one partner and choosing a partner who has had no or few prior sex partners. But even people with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV. In reality, it may not be possible to determine if a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected. The only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.
8. I recently found out I have genital warts on my scrotum. To be honest, I kind of freaked out. My doctor said they'll probably go away on their own, but I've read so many different opinions and suggestions on the internet. Does anyone know what I should do?
With genital wart removal treatment, genital warts can disappear almost immediately. However, the HPV virus remains in your body forever, although harmless to your health.
One thing you should do is find out exactly what you have. Speak with your doctor and become informed by visiting the website below:
http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/.
9. Last year I found warts on my vulva and had them frozen off. I found another one the other day and now I'm really worried because the idea has occurred to me that I might have to deal with these nasty warts every year. Isn't there a way to get rid of them for good?
You should consult with your doctor regarding the strain of HPV you may have. The HPV virus has many different strains. Some merely cause genital warts while others may cause cancer. Also, depending on the HPV strain, you may be able to get vaccinated. Please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for further information and your doctor.
10. I had genital warts last year and had them frozen off. Now I'm in a loving relationship. Should I inform her?
There is no reason for you to be ashamed or concerned about telling your partner about your genital wart history. It is quite common. According to the Center for Disease control and Prevention, "at least 50% of sexually active people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives".
Also the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing states that "because the virus can be hidden in a person's cells for months or years, having a diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean that you or your partner has been unfaithful. For most people it is probably impossible to determine when and from whom HPV was contracted."
11. I just got a call from my doctor telling me I have HPV. My doctor says I need to strengthen my immune system by eating more fruits and vegetables, and HPV will go away on its own. Is that all? Are there any medications I should take? Home remedies? Herbal or antiviral supplements? How can I build up my immunity to better fight off genital warts?
There are different ways to boost your immune system. Most experts will agree that more exercise, fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep and refraining from nicotine and alcohol will help your body combat viruses. Added to that, you can learn more about herbal remedies, antiviral supplements and homeopathic solutions to see if they suit you.
12. My boyfriend and I both have HPV. We don't know who gave it to who and we don't really care. However, we still want to get rid of them somehow. Our doctor told us we have to be abstinent for at least 2 years. Isn't there anything else we could do?
Your doctor was giving you the most full-proof advice. First of all, you should find out what kind of HPV you have and how serious your case is, as compared to your boyfriend. Even though you both have HPV your boyfriend should still use a condom. Also, depending on the HPV strain you may be able to get vaccinated or, in the case of genital warts, reduce their frequency.
Also keep in mind that genital warts can be removed surgically, with chemical treatment, or with painless electric current. Consult your doctor for further information.
13. I just got my genital warts removed from my penis by freezing. Does that mean as soon as my warts clear that I am cured? I am not stuck with this virus forever, right?? My doctor says after 6 months without warts I can say I am cured.But I heard that for some people the warts never go way. Is this true? How do I know if I'm cured?
You may have read a variety of answers through internet or other research. Your doctor is partly right. It's true that once your immune system strengthens and you've removed the genital warts, you can feel confident that the warts won't reappear.
Here is what the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has to offer:
"There is no cure or treatment for HPV. It will, in most cases, be cleared up by your immune system. Consult your doctor or health practitioner if you are concerned about genital warts because of their appearance, or if they are causing you discomfort. There are a range of treatment options for warts."
14. I am a gay male. I have recently been diagnosed with HPV genital warts. I've been getting treatment for it for about a month now. My doctor acted like it wasn't anything serious and said I shouldn't worry. But I am because I have a new boyfriend and want to be upfront with him. Should I tell him about it, even though I'm getting treatment?
You might simply ask yourself, would I want to know if my partner has or has had any sexually transmitted diseases? Naturally, the answer is yes. Therefore, it's advisable to be honest and open with him. There's nothing to be ashamed of, HPV is quite common and treatment is readily available.
15. I'm 35 year old woman. I just found out I have HPV but haven't been sexually active in a long time. How did I get it? Could I have gotten HPV from kissing? Oral sex? I've looked HPV online and have heard a lot of conflicting information.
It's true that on the internet you can find a variety of answers and you're never quite sure what to believe. Most often, government or publicly funded websites have the most conclusive HPV information. That being said, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing states that:
"Genital HPV is spread through genital skin contact during sexual activity. As viruses are microscopic, HPV can pass through tiny breaks in the skin. HPV is not spread in blood or other body fluids. While condoms are an important barrier to many sexually transmitted infections, they offer limited protection against HPV as they do not cover all of the genital skin.
Because the virus can be hidden in a person's cells for months or years, having a diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean that you or your partner has been unfaithful. For most people it is probably impossible to determine when and from whom HPV was contracted."
16. Before I get vaccinated for HPV I'd like to know, is there a test for HPV?
The HPV test on the market is only used as part of cervical cancer screening. There is no general test for men or women to check one's overall "HPV status." HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there a year or two from now. For this reason, there is no need to be tested just to find out if you have HPV now. However, you should get tested for signs of disease that HPV can cause, such as cervical cancer.
Genital warts are diagnosed by visual inspection. Some health care providers may use acetic acid, a vinegar solution, to help identify flat warts. But this is not a sensitive test so it may wrongly identify normal skin as a wart.
Cervical cell changes (early signs of cervical cancer)can be identified by routine Pap tests. The HPV test can identify high-risk HPV types on a woman's cervix, which can cause cervical cell changes and cancer.
As noted above, there is currently no approved test to find HPV or related cancers in men.
19. What is a virus?
A virus is the smallest and most stripped down form of life. It includes only a set of genes, called viral DNA, and a shell to protect these genes. A virus doesn't have proteins, or cells, only genes and a shell. When, a virus enters a cell, the viral genes plant themselves in the nucleus, where they start to manufacture their proteins.
20. Is there only one kind of HPV virus?
There are over 100 different types of HPV, including some that affect the genitals. Genital HPV is similar to the virus which causes warts on other parts of the body.
23. Is there an HPV vaccine?
Here is useful information regarding vaccination from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
"HPV vaccines ("shots") are available for males and females to protect against the types of HPV that most commonly cause health problems."
"Two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. One of these vaccines (Gardasil) also protects against most genital warts. Both vaccines are recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years old, who did not get any or all of the three recommended doses when they were younger. These vaccines can also be given to girls beginning at age 9. It is recommended that females get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible."
"One available vaccine (Gardasil) protects males against most genital warts. This vaccine is available for boys and men, 9 through 26 years of age."
"The best way a person can be sure to get the most benefit from HPV vaccination is to complete all three doses before beginning sexual activity."
Source:
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/hpv
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