HPV In Women - Risks, Symptoms and Treatment

The HPV virus in women can be both insidious and dangerous (although it rarely is). It's highly contagious nature makes it an incredibly widespread cause of concern, bear in mind that 80% of women over the age of sixty in the U.S will have contracted (not necessarily manifested) the virus in one of its over 40 different types.

This guide will outline, from risks to treatment, the entire spectrum of concerns and facts about the role that HPV plays in women. When it comes to the human papillomavirus, knowledge is power, and will lead to treatment and solace (though not eliminated entirely, but more on that later) effectively and promptly.

Unfortunately for women, certain types of the HPV can lead to cervical cancer (predominantly types 16 and 18). But these types of HPV virus can potentially, though rarely, cause various other forms of cancer too (some of which can afflict men also). Check the right text capsule for more information.

Around 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every-year, and 1% of the U.S population will have genital warts at any given time. Don't despair however as many of these cancers have causes other, and in the main more likely, than the HPV virus. And in any case, frequent screening drastically reduces the chance at getting cancer, it can take years for cell-changes to develop (if you routinely take pap smears your risk of encountering a life-threatening cancer growth are greatly reduced).

Aesthetic risks are more of an issue for men, but because of the conspicuousness of male genital wart growths they are consequently easier to detect and diagnose. Existing genital warts, whether they multiply or not, are not caused by the same HPV type and will subsequently not turn into cancer if left untreated!

HPV is transmitted most commonly via genital or oral (to genital) contact, though as with any virus infected skin to skin contact is the trigger. Because the virus can be present without symptoms, most people who unwittingly pass it on may have no idea that they are doing so.

While HPV is a quintessential STD, it can be passed by a pregnant mother to a child, though the odds are low, and even if it does occur the baby's immune system should flush it out. If not, it can develop into a severe condition known as respiratory papillomatosis (RRD), which can threaten the baby's breathing and will necessitate laser surgery.

If you are pregnant and have a history of HPV make sure your doctor knows!

Genital warts are a common manifestation of the HPV virus. Women should keep a look-out for pink or flesh colored swellings on the vulva, inside or around the anus or vagina and on the cervix.

It can take weeks, months and sometimes years for genital warts to break-out onto the skin. In many cases they won't appear at all (only between 1% and 5% of people will have genital warts, although more than 50% may carry the virus), making it difficult for an HPV victim to notice.

Precancerous cells changes are also a typical symptom of high-risk HPV types.

There is no known cure for the virus itself, but it's effects will usually clear up on their own (usually before the 2 year mark). There are many treatments that address HPV symptoms and eruptions like visible warts.

In women with no visibile symptoms but who are nonetheless concerned, taking a collection of cells from the cervix and analyzing their DNA in a lab, can tell doctor if the type of HPV is dangerous or not. Abnormal cells can be removed via a number of treatments such as cryotherapy or LEEP.

Genital warts have a veritable legion of cure options. Prescription creams such as Podofilox or Imiquimod are commonly used to cleanse the skin. Results may vary, but even though the warts may have disappeared entirely, bear in mind that they can come back within weeks.