Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is known to be associated with both genital warts and cervical cancer. There are various forms of the virus, but most research shows that it is the most common STD to contract. One of the main keys to detecting any sexually transmitted disease is knowing what the symptoms are. Not every STD has symptoms, however. Here are some of the things that you should know about the symptoms or signs of HPV.
Genital Warts
The most common symptom of HPV is genital warts. If you begin to notice that you have a bump that looks like a cauliflower in texture and is a white, gray, or yellow color, it is important to know that it may be a wart. Human Papilloma Virus will cause you to experience a wart on your penis, vagina, or anus. However, it is important to remember that not every case of HPV causes you to experience genital warts. While you may that you have genital warts, not spotting a wart does not mean that you haven’t contracted Human Papilloma Virus. It is possible that you may have the form of the virus that leads to cervical cancer instead.
Irregular Pap Smear
A main symptom of HPV is an irregular pap smear. If you are a young woman who has contracted the virus, it is likely that you will have an irregular pap smear. The reason is because the pap smear will detect any precancerous changes that your cervix has undergone. It is important to keep in mind that it is possible to have HPV and not experience a pap smear, as the virus often shows up when the immune system is low. It is also possible to have an irregular pap smear and not have HPV. Once you experience an irregular pap smear, your doctor will likely contact you to have a colposcopy, which is a more advanced way to determine if you have HPV.
High Number of Sex Partners
Various research has shown that about 70 percent of all sexually active teens and adults will experience HPV at some point. This means that about seven out of ten people are infected with HPV. The more people that you have had sexual relations with, the greater your chances of having this virus are. While condoms are known to offer some protection, they do not fully prevent the risk of contracting Human Papilloma Virus. This means that if you have not used a condom with even one sex partner, you are more at risk.
Aside from these three signs, there are really no symptoms of HPV. In fact, there has not yet been a test created that can detect this STD among men. Women should have an annual pap smear to help detect the problem early on. Although Human Papilloma Virus is often referred to as one of the least harmful STDs, it is important to remember that it is known to cause cervical cancer. Detecting the STD early on can also help detect any precancerous changes, which will help save your life in the long run.
