HPV is everywhere and has no known treatment. But there are remedies for the ailments HPV might bring on. The illness typically disappears on its own. In this post, we go through the symptoms of HPV in both genders and how to diagnose, treat, and prevent it.The human papillomavirus (HPV) can occasionally result in warts or lumps on the skin. The lumps could be flat or elevated, and their sizes could differ. But not every person with HPV experiences these symptoms. The term “HPV” refers to a group of viruses. Of the 200 different forms of HPV, about 40 of them can cause infections of the genitalia, anus, mouth, or throat. A few might also bring on cervical cancer.
What is HPV?
HPV is the most common STI in the United States, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Specific HPV strains bring on genital warts. Many HPV carriers, however, do not exhibit any symptoms at all. Cancer-causing high-risk HPV variants also frequently have no outward signs or symptoms. Skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse with those infected is how the virus spreads.
What Does HPV Look Like?
Most HPV carriers don’t have any symptoms. However, certain HPV varieties result in cutaneous warts or lumps. The genitalia, anus, tongue, mouth, and lips are among the places they might manifest. On occasion, HPV also results in warts on other parts of the body’s skin, such as the hands or feet. With this particular strain of HPV, a person may get a single wart or several of them. They could be elevated or flat. Their hue could be:
- Grey
- Dark brown
- White
- Pink
The skin tone of a person might affect the color of the genital warts. For instance, a person with darker skin might observe that their warts are a little darker than they are. The warts might occasionally be small and challenging to see. Genital warts are often painless, although some report itching, bleeding, or burning. A person may still have HPV if they do not have warts.
What Does HPV Look Like In Women?
The vaginal opening is one of the moist locations where warts tend to grow most frequently in females. Small, flat lumps or elevated, finger-like projections may be seen.
There may be lumps on the:
- Labia minora
- vulva
- Cervix
What Does HPV Look Like In Men?
HPV-related warts frequently appear on the penile shaft in males. They could seem as smooth or textured pimples that are elevated or flat. The lumps could resemble cauliflower or have projections that resemble stems. Warts can occasionally be hidden by pubic hair or the foreskin of uncircumcised males, making them difficult to see. Wart size and quantity might also vary. There may be lumps on the:
- Groin
- Scrotum
- Penis
HPV Examination And Diagnosis
In many cases, HPV-positive individuals are unaware that they are infected. Warts might be tiny or extremely small. However, after an HPV test comparable to a cervical cancer screening or Pap test, women with cervixes can get a diagnosis. A doctor can do an HPV test concurrently with a Pap test or independently. A healthcare professional examines the cervix with a speculum during an HPV test. The doctor collects cells from the cervix with a little brush, and a lab checks the cells for HPV afterward.
There are no HPV testing procedures for additional body parts, such as the mouth, that have received FDA approval. Furthermore, because men rarely develop HPV-related malignancies, there is no standard HPV test for them. However, those who are more likely to develop anal cancer linked to HPV may receive Pap tests for men. This includes those who engage in anal sex and those with compromised immune systems, according to the CDC.
HPV Treatment
While there is no therapy for HPV, genital warts can be managed with certain medications until the infection is resolved. These include:
- Medicines such imiquimod or podophyllin
- Cryotherapy which freezes warts with liquid nitrogen
- Removal via surgery which a physician can carry out under local anaesthesia
- Electrocautery in which the bumps are removed using an electric current
- Laser treatment in which the bumps are removed using light
It’s crucial for people who have HPV and may have a higher risk of developing cancer to undergo routine exams like Pap smears to look for abnormal cells.
HPV Prevention
Preventative actions can lessen the likelihood that someone will become infected with HPV as well as the possibility that individuals who already have the virus can distribute it to others.
Doctor’s Advice
1. Get Vaccinated Against HPV – One of the best methods to lower your risk of HPV is to get the vaccine. Anyone aged 9 to 45 can obtain the vaccine which can shield people from the HPV strains that most commonly result in genital warts and cervical cancer. Males and females are included in this.
2. Use Dental Dams and Condoms – Always use condoms or dental dams during vaginal, oral, or anal sex to protect against HPV and other STIs. Remember that STIs are not prevented by other methods of birth control, such as a diaphragm or birth control tablets, that work to prevent pregnancy.
3. Avoiding Douching – Douching can reduce the good bacteria in the vagina and raise the chance of getting a STI. It is not essential to douche because the vagina cleans itself. Instead, simply use warm water to bathe the vulva, or exterior of the vagina.
4. GiveUp Smoking – People who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to develop genital warts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
5. Talk with Your Doctor – Anyone who suspects they may have genital warts should consult a physician or sexual health nurse. It’s crucial to receive a proper diagnosis because warts brought on by HPV can resemble blemishes brought on by other illnesses. Furthermore, even though HPV infections usually go away with time, it is still beneficial to be aware of the infection. This may aid the monitoring of potential issues. It can also help people realize that they must take action to stop the spread of the disease.
Takeaway
HPV does not often result in obvious symptoms but can occasionally cause genital warts. Warts might be different shapes, colors, and sizes. They could feature finger-like projections, and be elevated or flat. There could be just one wart or several bumps together.
Although HPV cannot be cured, there are treatments to get rid of warts, such as topical drugs, freezing, and surgery. There are also lifestyle changes you can make to build a strong immune system. These include getting plenty of sleep, regular exercise, eat a healthy diet and compliment your diet with vaginal probiotics and AHCC immunity building health supplements. Anyone worried about HPV should consult a medical professional.
