Some strains are high risk and associated with later formation of squamous cell carcinoma cancer , and you may not even know if you have a high-risk HPV strain until precancerous or cancerous lesions form. Some research shows that HPV infections persist latently in 10 to 20 percent of those who contract them, as opposed to the 80 to 90 percent who clear the virus within two years of infection.
However, certain factors increase the risk of the infection not going away. These include having sex without protection, contracting other sexually transmitted infections STIs , alcohol use, smoking tobacco, and having a suppressed immune system. A recent study published in December noted that over genetically distinct strains of HPV exist.
The study looked at HPV infection in unvaccinated men between the ages of 18 and Researchers tracked over 4, subjects over five years. What the study found was that HPV infection strongly increases the risk of future infection by the same strain.
The researchers focused on strain 16, which is responsible for most HPV-related cancers. They noted that an initial infection increases the one year probability of reinfection by a factor of 20, and the probability of reinfection remains 14 times higher two years later.
The researchers found that this increased risk occurs in men regardless of whether they are sexually active. The CDC also suggests condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners as ways to lower risk of contracting an HPV infection.
As well, the organization recommends vaccination at a younger age to help protect against the strains that cause the majority of warts and cancer.
HPV symptoms take a while to show, so warts may not appear until weeks or months after infection. In some cases, genital warts can take years to develop. Outbreaks can happen in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, in the groin or thigh area, or on the penis or scrotum. HPV can also cause warts on your throat, tongue, mouth, or lips. For some people, genital warts may clear up on their own within two years , but treatment helps speed up the process.
Genital warts can be treated by a doctor in a number of ways. Topical treatments, prescription medications, and minor procedures can help clear up an outbreak. Genital warts require a special type of topical treatment that your doctor can. Those creams include:. Podofilox is a plant-based cream used to treat external genital warts and stop wart cells from growing.
You should apply podofilox to the wart tissue at least twice daily for three days, then let the area rest for the remainder of the week. Podofilox is one of the more effective topical creams in clearing warts. According to one study , outbreaks in nearly half of the people using the cream improved by 50 percent or more.
Twenty-nine percent of participants saw their warts clear completely. You should apply the ointment directly to the warts at least three days a week for about four months. Although imiquimod may not be effective for everyone, one study did show that warts cleared in 37 to 50 percent of people using the cream. The medicine can also boost your immune system to fight HPV. You should apply the ointment three times per day for up to four months.
Sinecatechins may be the most effective topical for getting rid of warts. According to one study , the ointment cleared up warts in 56 to 57 percent of participants. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 years or can start at age 9 years and for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.
Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit.
Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination. At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection.
There are HPV tests that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. These tests are only recommended for screening in women aged 30 years and older. HPV tests are not recommended to screen men, adolescents, or women under the age of 30 years. Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms or health problems from it.
Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result during cervical cancer screening.
In that same year, there were 13 million new infections. Genital warts: Before HPV vaccines were introduced, roughly , to , women and men were affected by genital warts caused by HPV every year.
Cervical cancer: Every year, nearly 12, women living in the U. There are other conditions and cancers caused by HPV that occur in people living in the United States. Every year, approximately 19, women and 12, men are affected by cancers caused by HPV. This could be an underestimate of the actual number of people who get genital warts.
If you are pregnant and have HPV, you can get genital warts or develop abnormal cell changes on your cervix. Abnormal cell changes can be found with routine cervical cancer screening. Sometimes the doctor takes a sample of tissue from the wart for testing. How are they treated? There is no cure for HPV, but the symptoms can be treated. Can HPV and genital warts be prevented? Use latex condoms. Latex condoms may help reduce the risk of spreading genital warts, but they do not protect the entire genital area against skin-to-skin contact.
Before you have sex with someone, talk to them about STIs. Find out whether he or she is at risk for them. Remember that a person can be infected without knowing it. If you have symptoms of an STI, don't have sex.
Do not have sex with anyone who has symptoms or who may have been exposed to an STI. Having several sex partners increases your risk for infection.
Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. Cause HPV infection is caused by a virus. How the infection is spread transmission HPV is spread by direct contact.
The virus can be spread to or from the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat during sexual activities. But warts in the mouth or throat are extremely rare. Latex condoms can lower your risk of getting genital warts. After the infection occurs, it may spread to other areas of the genitals or to the anal area. You can spread the virus even if you do not have any symptoms of infection or any visible warts. There is a small chance that a pregnant woman can pass the virus to her baby.
Children can get genital warts from sexual abuse. Symptoms Human papillomavirus HPV infection Infection with the human papillomavirus HPV usually does not cause any symptoms and does not always produce visible genital warts. Symptoms that may occur with genital warts include: Irritation. Genital warts Genital warts can be different sizes and shapes. They may be large, or they may be too small to be seen with the naked eye. They may appear individually or in groups.
Warts may look like tiny bunches of cauliflower or like flat, white areas that are very difficult to see. In women and men, warts may appear in the groin, on and around the genitals, in the urethra , or in the rectum or anus. In women : Genital warts may appear around the anus or on the vulva , vagina, or cervix. Women are often unaware of warts inside the vagina or on the cervix until a doctor finds them. In men : Genital warts may occur on the outside of the penis, on the scrotum , or around the anus.
Men are often unaware they have genital warts, even when they can be seen, until the warts are identified by a doctor. Symptoms of genital warts may be similar to those of other conditions. Common HPV types 6 and 11 produce visible warts. These warts may go away on their own, stay the same, or increase in number. Other HPV types, such as 16 and 18, do not produce visible genital warts. These types, which may be found with a Pap test , are linked to precancerous cervical cell changes and cervical cancer.
HPV infection and cervical cell changes In women, most precancerous or cancerous cell changes associated with HPV infection occur on the cervix. HPV infection and anal and penile cancer Among people who receive anal sex, HPV infection of the anal canal is associated with an increased risk of anal cancer.
HPV infection during pregnancy The presence of HPV and abnormal cell changes does not affect the outcome of the pregnancy. What Increases Your Risk Things that increase a person's risk for getting a sexually transmitted infection, such as HPV and genital warts, include: Having multiple sex partners. Having high-risk partner s partner has multiple sex partners or HPV-infected sex partners.
Having unprotected sexual contact not using latex condoms. Having an impaired immune system. When should you call your doctor? Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Sores, bumps, rashes, blisters, or warts on or around your genitals or anus Burning, pain, or severe itching while urinating For women , an abnormal vaginal discharge that smells bad For men , an abnormal discharge from your penis Call your doctor if you suspect you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection STI.
Avoid sexual contact until you have been examined by a doctor. Children A child can get genital warts in several ways. Watchful waiting A doctor should evaluate any warts or other symptoms that suggest infection with the human papillomavirus HPV or another sexually transmitted infection STI. The length of the watchful waiting period is based on: The severity of your symptoms.
The progression of the problem if not treated. The risks and benefits of waiting. Your age and medical history. Who to see In general, your family doctor or any of the following health professionals can determine whether you have genital warts: Nurse practitioner Physician assistant Internist Treatment may require a specialist, such as a: Gynecologist.
Exams and Tests A doctor usually can diagnose visible genital warts using your medical history and a physical exam. How do you know? Did your partner tell you? What are your symptoms? If you have discharge from the vagina or penis, it is important to note any smell or color. Did you use latex condoms to protect against STIs? Which sexual behaviors do you or your partner engage in, including high-risk behaviors such as sex with multiple partners?
Have you had an STI in the past? How was it treated? Have you ever had an abnormal Pap test for women? For women After your doctor takes your medical history, you will have a gynecological exam, which usually includes a Pap test.
For men After the medical history, you will have a physical exam for genital warts. Doctors do not recommend a screening test for HPV infection in men. For men and women Some experts believe that people who receive anal sex should have a screening for anal cancer, especially if they also have HIV infection.
If visible warts are present, a diagnosis can usually be made without more testing. Genital warts may disappear without treatment. This is the natural course of many genital warts. Destroying large areas of warts is difficult and may cause scarring. Treatment for genital warts does not eliminate the HPV infection. You may still be able to spread the infection.
Latex condoms can help reduce the risk of HPV infection. Treatment of genital warts can be painful, and warts may return after treatment.
Warts that return after being treated usually are not treated again unless you want to be retreated. If you do, you would usually choose a different form of treatment. Types of treatment Treatments for genital warts include medicines, freezing, laser, or surgery. The type of medical treatment for genital warts will depend on: The number, size, and location of warts.
The side effects of treatment. The skill of the doctor for each treatment option. The cost of treatment, which varies depending on: The cost of medicine. Any specialized equipment used. The number of treatments needed. The problems caused by the warts such as blockage of the urethra. Your preference. If you are pregnant.
Some wart medicines should not be used during pregnancy. Medicines Doctors often recommend medicine applied to warts topical drug treatment as the first choice of treatment. Surgery and other treatment Surgery to remove genital warts may be done when: Medicine treatment has failed and the removal of warts is considered necessary.
Warts are widespread. What to think about Without treatment, external genital warts may remain unchanged, increase in size or number, or go away. Treatment of warts usually requires a series of applications rather than a single treatment. Warts in moist areas usually respond better to treatments applied to the area, such as creams or acids. Warts on dry skin may respond best to freezing cryotherapy or surgical removal.
Cryotherapy may be done when genital warts are visible and bothersome and are growing in a small area. Repeat treatments may be needed to remove all wart tissue. The success of surgery is related to the number of warts. The success rate is higher and additional treatments are less likely to be needed when surgery is done on fewer and smaller warts. Surgery may require anesthesia. Small areas of warts can be quickly treated with removal methods, such as cryotherapy or surgical excision.
Self-applied medicines may be used for larger areas of warts that need longer or repeated treatments. Prevention You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with the human papillomavirus HPV or another sexually transmitted infection STI. Practice safer sex Preventing a sexually transmitted infection STI is easier than treating an infection after it occurs. Talk with your partner about STIs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out whether he or she is at risk for an STI.
Remember that it is possible to be infected with an STI without knowing it. Be responsible. Having several sex partners increases your risk of getting an STI.
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