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HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted
diseases. Genital warts, one of the diseases caused by the virus
have been around for centuries.
HPV is a virus. It is a very small organism that needs to infect cells in
order to live. Like other viruses once it is inside a cell it begins
to make copies of itself in order to infect other healthy cells. As
the infected cells die they are shed from the body. The virus is spread
along with the dead cells. When the virus is shed, it can be passed
to another person, who can also become infected.
Once the virus has been passed on, it may be some time before the other person
shows any sign of infection. The virus may lie dormant for several months
to years.
The virus is passed from one person to another during sex. Although HPV
is thought to be sexually transmitted disease, non-sexual forms of transmission
may occur.
There are many types of HPV. Some types tend
to infect the cells in the genital area while others tend to infect
other parts of the body. HPV can cause common warts, such as those
seen of the fingers and hands. These type of warts found in the
genital area cause condylomas or genital warts. These warts are
seen both inside and outside of the genital area and can spread
to nearby skin or to a sexual partner. Genital warts are more
likely to occur in women who have multiple sexual partners, or
whose male partners have had multiple partners.
While most HPV infections are not a serious threat to your health, some can
increase the risk of getting cancer. If you have a Pap result that shows
abnormal cells (ASCUS), new technology with the liquid pap allows us
to test for HPV without recollecting a specimen.
The HPV reflex tests for both low risk and high
risk HPV. Depending on the outcome of this test, you may be have
pap tests performed every three to six months or additional testing,
including a colposcopy to biopsy the area.
Most of the time, HPV infection and/or genital
warts do not cause problems with pregnancy. Warts, which are caused
by HPV, may grow in size and number when a women is pregnant.
In very rare cases, these warts can grow large enough to narrow
or even block the birth canal. If this occurs a cesarean section
is done. Most warts can be treated safely during pregnancy. Your
physician will discuss treatment options with you.
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- Use condoms when having sex
- Have follow-up exams and pap tests performed regularly.
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