Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware they have it because HPV can be asymptomatic. But knowing whether you have HPV is crucial, as certain strains can lead to more serious health conditions, including genital warts and various types of cancers. So, how do you know if you have HPV, and what should your next steps be? This blog will dive into the HPV symptoms, how to get tested, and the steps to take if you test positive.
What Is HPV?
HPV is a group of viruses that affect both men and women. There are more than 100 strains of the virus, but only a few are harmful. Some strains of HPV can cause warts on different parts of the body, including the genitals, throat, and mouth. Other strains can lead to more severe outcomes, like cervical cancer in women and throat cancer in men and women. Fortunately, many HPV infections clear up on their own without causing any lasting issues.
HPV Symptoms: What To Look For
One of the trickiest aspects of HPV is that it often doesn’t present noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. This makes it harder to detect without regular health check-ups and screening. However, depending on the type of HPV, here are some common HPV symptoms you might experience:
- Genital warts: These appear as small lumps or growths around the genital area, and they can vary in size and shape. They’re caused by certain strains of low-risk HPV.
- Respiratory papillomatosis: A rare condition where warts grow in the throat, affecting the airway.
- Changes in skin growths: If you notice any unusual growths or changes in existing moles or warts, it could be a sign of an HPV infection.
It’s important to note that while HPV symptoms may manifest as warts, many people won’t show symptoms at all. This is why regular HPV testing is essential, particularly for individuals who are sexually active or at higher risk.
How Is HPV Diagnosed? The Role Of HPV Testing
Because HPV can often be asymptomatic, the most reliable way to know if you have the virus is through an HPV test. These tests are designed to detect the presence of HPV in the body, even if there are no visible symptoms. Regular screening is especially recommended for women, as HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
HPV Test For Women
Women can undergo a Pap smear (Pap test), often combined with an HPV test. The Pap smear checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix, while the HPV test specifically looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV). If the test reveals the presence of high-risk HPV, further testing may be needed to check for signs of cervical cancer.
HPV Test For Men
Men can also carry and transmit HPV, but there’s no standard screening test for the virus in men like there is for women. However, men can opt for an HPV test if they notice symptoms like genital warts. Men who are at a higher risk of HPV-related cancers, such as those who engage in anal sex, may benefit from anal Pap tests or HPV tests, depending on their doctor’s recommendation.
What Happens If You Test Positive For HPV?
Testing positive for HPV can be worrying, but it’s important to understand what that means and what your next steps should be.
- Stay calm: In most cases, HPV infections clear up on their own. A positive HPV test doesn’t mean you will develop cancer or serious health issues.
- Follow-up testing: If the HPV test reveals a high-risk strain, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, like a colposcopy (for women), to closely examine any abnormal changes in cervical cells.
- Treatment: If HPV symptoms like genital warts are present, your doctor may suggest treatments such as topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing off warts), or other minor procedures. For women with abnormal cervical cells, treatments like a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) may be needed to remove affected tissue.
- Preventative measures: While there’s no cure for HPV, there are vaccines available that protect against the most dangerous strains of the virus. It’s highly recommended that young men and women get the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active to reduce their risk of infection.
- Regular monitoring: If you’ve tested positive for HPV, your doctor will likely recommend regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure any HPV-related health risks are managed proactively.
Preventing HPV
Even though HPV is widespread, there are effective ways to reduce your risk of contracting the virus. Practicing safe sex, getting vaccinated, and undergoing regular health screenings are some of the most crucial preventive steps you can take.
- HPV vaccination: Vaccines such as Gardasil protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of HPV. It’s recommended for both boys and girls, starting as early as age 11.
- Safe sex: Using condoms and dental dams can lower the risk of HPV transmission, though it’s important to note that HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by condoms.
- Regular screenings: Routine HPV tests and Pap smears can help detect the virus early and monitor any potential cell changes before they become problematic.
Conclusion: Take Control Of Your Health With LifeCell
Knowing the risks associated with HPV and being proactive with HPV testing are critical steps to maintaining your sexual health. If you believe you might be at risk or if you’re experiencing HPV symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional and get tested.
At LifeCell, they offer HPV test kits for both men and women, allowing you to get screened from the comfort of your home. This test detects 24 HPV High-risk genotypes in females using RT-PCR to give quick and accurate results.
Take the next step towards safeguarding your health with LifeCell’s convenient and reliable testing options.
