The most common sign of HPV is a wart in the genital area. This wart may appear about 3 to 10 months after infection with the virus. HPV warts often improve on their own, even without treatment. However, medical evaluation is still important to confirm the diagnosis and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Although HPV warts are more common in the genital area, they can appear anywhere the virus has infected the skin or mucous membranes. This can include the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, or throat.
If HPV is suspected, women should see a gynecologist, while men should see a general practitioner or urologist. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Common HPV symptoms
The main HPV symptoms include:
-
Warts in the genital or anal area;
-
Plaques made up of small warts;
-
Warts on the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, or throat;
-
Discomfort where the wart is located;
-
Itching around the wart.
Most HPV infections do not cause any other noticeable changes. However, some people are not able to clear the virus from the body.
This can increase the risk of serious diseases, such as cervical cancer and penile cancer. Some types of HPV are also linked to a higher risk of cancer.
HPV in women
HPV infection in women usually does not cause symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, warts commonly appear on the vulva, labia minora, labia majora, anus, or cervix.
When HPV warts in women are not identified and treated properly, they may increase the risk of cervical cancer.
HPV in men
HPV infection in men also usually does not cause symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, warts may appear on the head or shaft of the penis, scrotum, or anus.
Even when warts are very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye, they may be identified with a peniscopy exam. For this reason, regular appointments with a urologist are important.
What to do if HPV is suspected
If HPV infection is suspected, it is important to see a urologist, gynecologist, or general practitioner. The doctor can evaluate the symptoms and order tests to help confirm the infection, such as peniscopy in men or a Pap smear followed by colposcopy in women.
Blood tests may also be ordered to check for circulating antibodies against HPV. More specific tests can also help identify the virus and the amount present in the body.
HPV transmission
HPV is transmitted through intimate contact with a person who carries the virus, even if that person does not have visible symptoms. Transmission can occur through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
HPV is highly contagious. Contact with infected skin or warts where the virus is present can be enough for transmission to occur.
Although condoms offer some protection against HPV transmission, infection can still occur through contact with areas that are not covered during sex, such as the vulva or scrotum.
How treatment is done
HPV treatment may involve applying medications such as podofilox or trichloroacetic acid to the warts. Other treatment options include cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or surgery to remove the lesions caused by the virus.
The goal of treatment is to remove the warts caused by HPV and reduce the risk of transmission. Some treatments may be applied at home by the patient, according to the doctor’s instructions.
During treatment, it is important to avoid sexual intercourse, even with a condom. This can help reduce the risk of HPV transmission and the risk of acquiring other infections.