Like all viruses, HPV needs to infect cells in order to live. The virus enters a cell, then it directs the cell to make copies of itself and to infect other healthy cells. When the cells that are infected with the virus die they shed from the body just like skin cells do. When this shedding happens it can be passed to another person who can also become infected.

     This virus spreads from person to person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This virus can also be found in semen.

     There are several types of HPV. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts called Condyloma acuminata. These appear on the outside or inside of the vaginal or penis and can spread to nearby skin. They are usually pink, red, flesh colored, or brown. Although the warts may go away the virus can still remain in the body.

     Some types of HPV can be related with cancer of the cervix. This is why a pap test is so important because it can detect changes in the cervix that may be an early sign of cancer.

 

 If you have genital warts and they do not go away you may need treatment. Sometimes medication can be applied to the area or surgery can be done to remove them. Somtimes a Colposcopy, LEEP, or Cryo may need to be done to remove the abnormal areas on your cervix.

 

There is a new vaccine to help prevent against HPV, called Gardasil ("gard-Ah-sil") This can prevent certain types of HPV. This vaccine comes in three doses. Please check with your insurance company to see if this will be covered . If you are interested in this vaccine call the office to schedule an Initial consultation. For more information on this injection visit: http://www.Gardasil.com Other ways to lower your risk for HPV are:1) limiting your number of sexual partners-the more partners you have the greater the risk, and 2) use condoms when you have any type of sex.