HPV often has no symptoms and goes away on its own, but it can cause illness and put you at risk for the later development of cervical cancer. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn more. More than types of HPV viruses exist, 40 of which are passed through sexual contact.
HPV spreads through sex, including vaginal, oral, and anal. People with HPV often have no symptoms, so you may not realize you or your partner have it. It can be passed simply by genital touching and can be passed in same-sex relationships.
HPV often causes no symptoms at all. Regular Pap smears, which screen for cervical cancer, can identify cells on the cervix that have been changed due to infection with HPV. Other signs of HPV include genital warts that are large or small, raised or flat, or cauliflower-like in appearance. You may observe the warts yourself, or they may be discovered during a pelvic exam.
HPV usually goes away on its own, but there is no cure. Treatment is available for the symptoms, such as cervical cell changes and genital warts. A vaccine is available to prevent HPV. The vaccine is available at Physicians for Women El Paso.
Avoiding all sexual contact and getting the HPV vaccine are your best protection against the viruses. However, you can take steps to minimize your risk of acquiring HPV, and these include:. Women should also avoid douching, which removes normal bacteria in the vagina that can protect you from infection.
