What is human papillomavirus?

Answer 1

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus in several forms. It usually appears first as "venereal warts" which can be treated by your gynecologist. However, the virus itself can remain in your body for years, or even your lifetime, and it (the virus) is still sexually transmittable. On physical exam of the genital area it will appear as pale tissue, which your MD will biopsy and send the sample to the lab. Results can range from irritation or "warty changes" to one of several stages of "dysplasia". Left untreated this virus can cause cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer and needs to be carefully monitored by a gynecologist who specializes in its' treatment. There is now a vaccine that protects against Cervical cancer HPV and I believe some of its' other forms. However, it is only effective in females who have not been exposed to the virus, or better yet, before becoming sexually active.