HPV OR GENITAL WARTS

What is it?
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. The virus can cause warts to grow on the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, scrotum, urethra, or anus.

How you get it
HPV is passed from an infected person through direct skin-to-skin contact.

How you know you have it?
The warts are small, raised bumps that do not itch or hurt. You may see them or your doctor may see them during a physical exam. In women, the virus might be detected during a routine gynecological test called a pap smear. Most people infected with HPV will never know they have it

How to test for it ?
Your doctor may be able to see warts during a physical exam, but may want more tests to confirm that it is HPV.

How to treat it?
There is no cure for HPV, but there a couple of different ways of removing warts. If left alone, they may disappear on their own, but the virus will stay in your body and the warts could come back.

What it can do to you?
Most HPV infections do not cause long-term harm in either women or men. Some HPV infections can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Even if you have HPV, you can prevent cancer by discussing with your doctor about your infection and getting regular medical care. Women should also have regular pap smears, which can detect changes in the cervix before they become cancer.