Human papillomavirus is the most common STD, and it is estimated that 80% of people sexually active contract the virus. HPV infections can go away on their own, but some strains increase the risk of getting cervical cancer. Orlando HPV is treated by an experienced female team, offering HPV tests, management, and vaccination.
What is HPV?
HPV infection is a widespread infection that usually causes mucous or skin membrane growths (warts). There are 100 varieties of HPV. Some infections cause different types of cancers, and some cause warts. Most HPV infections don’t cause cancer. Some genital HPV infections can lead to cancer in the lower part of the womb that connects to the cervix. Other cancer types, including the penis, vulva, anus, vagina, and back of the throat, are linked to HPV infection.
Symptoms
In many cases, the body’s immune systems resist an HPV infection before it forms warts. When warts appear, they differ in appearance depending on what type of HPV is involved.
Genital warts. They appear as lesions, tiny protrusions, or cauliflower-like bumps. In women, they appear on the vulva mostly and can occur near the anus, in the vagina, or the cervix. In men, warts appear on the scrotum or the penis and around the anus. Genital warts do not cause pain or discomfort, but they may feel tender or itchy.
Common warts. They may appear as rough, raised bumps and normally occur on the fingers and hands. In many cases, common warts are unnoticeable, but they are also painful or susceptible to bleeding.
Plantar warts. They are grainy hard growths that normally appear on the balls or heels of your feet. Warts can cause discomfort.
Flat warts. They are slightly raised flat-topped lesions. They occur anywhere, but children get them on the face while men get them on the beard area. Women can get them on the legs.
Causes
HPV occurs when the virus penetrates your body, mainly through abrasion, cut, or small tears in the skin. The virus is contracted through skin-to-skin contact. Genital HPV is contracted through anal sex, sexual intercourse, and other skin-to-skin contact in genital areas. Some HPV infections, which result in upper or oral respiratory lesions, are transmitted through oral sex.
If you are pregnant and you have HPV infections with genital warts, your child may also contract the infection. Warts are contagious; they spread by direct contact with a wart. Warts spread when someone contacts something that had already touched warts.
Risk factors
The number of sexual partners. You are likely to contract HPV infection if you have sex with many partners. Also, having sex with a person who has had sex with multiple people increases the risk of having genital HPV infections.
Weakened immune system. People having a weak immune system can easily get HPV infections. The immune system is usually weakened by HIV/AIDS or by drugs suppressing the immune system.
Personal contact. Touching a person’s warts or not wearing protective gear when touching surfaces exposed to HPV might increase the risk of having HPV infections.
HPV infections can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. You should seek help from a doctor if you start having the symptoms above to avoid the risk of getting cancer or infecting your unborn child. To know more about HPV infections, get tested. Call Contemporary Women’s Care today and book an appointment to improve your health.
