HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a virus that affects nearly 80 million people in the United States. It is a very common virus, and most people who have it don’t even know it. HPV can cause several different symptoms, depending on the person.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the most common symptoms of HPV. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about getting tested for HPV.
What Is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that can infect both men and women. There are more than 150 different types of HPV, and while most of them are harmless, some can cause certain types of cancer.
HPV is spread through sexual contact, so it’s important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly if you’re sexually active. You can also get HPV by sharing contaminated needles or coming into contact with someone who has the virus.
Most people who contract HPV don’t even know they have it, as there are often no symptoms. However, in some cases, HPV can lead to cervical cancer in women, anal cancer, oral cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, vulvar cancer, precancerous cell changes, or other types of cancer, such as penile cancer in men.
High-risk HPV usually has no symptoms at first, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
10 Symptoms of HPV
HPV is a virus that affects both men and women. It is a very common virus, and most people who have it don’t even know it. There are many different types of HPV, some of which can cause serious health problems
Warts
HPV can cause warts to grow on the skin, including on the genitals and anus. These warts can be itchy, painful, or even bleed. HPV types 6 and 11 are the most common causes of most genital warts.
In some cases, they may go away on their own, but in other cases, they may need to be treated by a doctor.
Abnormal Changes In Cells
HPV can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. These changes can lead to cancer of the cervix. Women with HPV may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as after sex or between periods.
Painful Urination
HPV can cause inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract, which can lead to pain during urination.
Pelvic Pain
Women with HPV may experience pelvic pain, which is often a symptom of cervical cancer.
Low Back Pain
Low back pain can be a symptom of cervical cancer.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of cancer, and women with HPV may find themselves more tired than usual.
Nausea And Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of cancer, and women with HPV may find themselves experiencing these more often.
Loss Of Appetite
Cancer can cause a loss of appetite, and women with HPV may find that they’re not as interested in food as they used to be.
Changes In Bowel Habits
Cancer can cause changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss can be a sign of cancer, and women with HPV may find that they’re losing weight without trying.
Causes Of human papillomavirus HPV
- The virus infects you when it enters your body by a cut, abrasion, or a small tear in your skin. Skin-to-skin contact is the most common way for the virus to spread.
- Sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, anal sex, and other skin-to-skin contact in the genital region are all ways to develop genital HPV infections. Oral intercourse is the source of some HPV infections that cause oral or upper respiratory lesions.
- It’s likely that if you’re pregnant and have an HPV infection with genital warts, your kid will get the virus. The infection may create a noncancerous development in the baby’s voice box on rare occasions (larynx).
- Warts can be spread from person to person. Direct touch with a wart might cause them to spread. Warts can also spread if someone comes into contact with something that has already been touched by a wart.
Ways To Prevent Infection/Disease Control
- Undergoing HPV tests
- Taking HPV Vaccines
Diagnosis Of HPV
There is no one test to diagnose HPV. Your doctor may use one or more of the following methods:
Pap tests
A Pap test can find changes in the cells of your cervix. These changes may be caused by HPV. A Pap test can also find cancer and precancerous cells, which are early signs of cervical cancer.
HPV DNA test
The HPV DNA test looks for the genetic material (DNA) of certain types of HPV in cells from your cervix. This test can be done at the same time as a Pap test or by itself.
Colposcopy
During a colposcopy, your doctor uses a special magnifying device to look closely at your cervix for abnormal areas. If your doctor finds abnormal cells, he or she may take a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a microscope.
Biopsy
During a biopsy, your doctor removes a small piece of tissue from your cervix to check for cancer cells. The most common type of biopsy is called a cone biopsy or conization.
Conclusion
There is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments available to help control the virus and prevent it from causing further damage. If you think you may have a persistent HPV infection, talk to your doctor about getting tested and starting a treatment plan.
While HPV is a common virus, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with it. By practicing safe sex and getting regular check-ups, you can help protect yourself from this potentially dangerous virus.
