What is Human Papilloma Virus?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes venereal warts also called genital warts or condyloma. HPV is very contagious. HPV is now the second most common sexually transmitted disease after chlamydia. HPV is spread from one person to another by vaginal, oral or rectal sexual contact, as well as to infants during childbirth. Symptoms may not appear until one to six months after exposure to the virus. Some people never get symptoms, even though they carry the virus and can infect their sexual partner(s). HPV is a leading factor for cancer of the cervix in women. Using condoms provides some protection.
What are the symptoms?
Some people have no visible warts.
Warts often have a cauliflower-like appearance.
Warts can be pink, white, brown or grey, and occur alone or in clusters.
In women, visible warts can be on the vulva (vaginal lips), on the cervix (entrance to uterus) and/or anus.
In men, visible warts can be on the penis, scrotum and/or anus.
Warts are usually painless, but may be itchy and uncomfortable.
How is HPV diagnosed?
In both men and women, visible warts are diagnosed by the way they look.
Women:
Warts on a women’s cervix will usually show up on a Pap test. A special magnifying microscope called a colposcope is used to see the cervix and upper vagina to confirm HPV.
Men:
Warts may be hidden in the urethra and cannot be seen or felt. An endoscope (similar to a colposcope but magnifies the urethra) is used to detect these warts.
How is HPV treated?
Different treatments may be tried depending on the number and location of the warts. These may include:
- Special medication (e.g Podophyllin, Trichloroacetic Acid) applied directly to the warts, once or twice a week.
- Cryotherapy, a procedure in which the warts are "frozen" off with liquid nitrogen.
- Laser therapy, a laser beam is used to destroy the warts.
About 20% of warts disappear without treatment, 60% respond well to treatment, the remaining 20% resist treatment and may require laser therapy. These treatments will remove the warts but may not remove the virus from the body.
What about sexual partners?
When HPV is detected in one partner, the other partner should also be examined. Even if there are no visible signs of warts, the warts may be in the vagina or the man’s urethra.
Is follow-up important?
Yes. Both men and women who have HPV or have been in contact with HPV should examine themselves regularly for warts. See your physician if you see or feel any warts.
It is very important for women with HPV to have regular Pap tests, every 6 to 12 months.
Men with HPV should see their doctor every 6 to 12 months to make sure no warts have reappeared.
For more information contact Public Health Clinic Services at 519-355-1071 ext. 5901 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca
Adapted with permission from Elgin – St. Thomas Health Unit.