When the immune system is unable to clear the virus on its own, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms, including prescription creams to treat warts and minimally-invasive procedures to remove warts. Each treatment is based on the patient’s specific needs for optimal results.

Can I spread HPV to another person?

Yes, HPV is infectious, and you’ll need to discuss ways to prevent transmission during your office visit.

HPV Specialist

Q: What is human papillomavirus, or HPV?

HPV is a family of about 100 common viruses, some of which have been linked with an increased risk for cervical cancer and the development of genital warts. HPV is so common, nearly every man and women will come in contact with the virus during their lives. In most cases, the body’s immune system successfully removes the virus from the body and no symptoms are even felt. But some types of HPV are stubborn, remaining in the body. Often, these infections are detected with a Pap test and can be treated with medication. Some types of HPV transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex cannot be eliminated, but their symptoms, such as warts, can be managed.

Q: How can I tell if I’ve been infected with HPV?

HPV is most commonly diagnosed with a routine Pap test that uses a small sample of cervical cells to look for changes that are associated with viral infection. Another common diagnostic technique is colposcopy, an in-office exam that uses magnification and a special solution applied to the cervix and vagina to look for abnormal cells. In addition to visual and microscopic examination, there is also a DNA test that can be used to evaluate cells for the presence of HPV. To date, there is no blood test to identify HPV infection.

At Maiden Lane Medical in New York City, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease.

Our expert gynecologists provide comprehensive HPV services, including routine Pap smears and advanced HPV testing, to detect the presence of the HPV virus and monitor any abnormal changes. Our goal is to help patients feel more confident about their sexual and overall health. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your health!

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What is Human Papillomavirus, or HPV?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s a family of about 100 common viruses, some of which have been linked with an increased risk for cervical cancer and the development of genital warts.

HPV is very common. Nearly every man and woman will come in contact with the virus during their lives. In most cases, the body’s immune system successfully removes the virus from the body, and no symptoms are ever felt. However, some types of HPV are stubborn, remaining in the body.

Often, these infections are detected with a Pap test and can be treated with medication. However, some types of HPV—transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex—cannot be eliminated, but their symptoms can usually be managed.

What Are the Signs of HPV?

Most people with HPV don’t have any symptoms, which is one reason why routine Pap smears are critical to protecting your health.

Some strains of HPV cause genital warts, which appear as a single small bump or a cluster of flesh-colored lumps on your vagina or anus. The warts vary in size and may be flat or raised or shaped like a cauliflower.

How Does HPV Spread?

HPV is infectious and spreads through direct contact. This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex. However, you don’t need to have intercourse to contract HPV. You can also spread the virus through genital touching.
A mother can also pass the disease to her baby during childbirth.

It’s also important to note that you can spread HPV even when you don’t have symptoms. You can discuss ways to protect yourself or prevent transmission during your office visit.

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of HPV?

You can take steps to lower your risk of HPV. First, if you’re eligible, consider having the vaccine.

You can also:

Practice safe sex
Get tested
Limit your number of sexual partners

There are also ways to reduce acquiring HPV or even resolve it faster, including:

Not smoking cigarettes
Maintaining a healthy immune system
Taking a daily vitamin containing folic acid

You may want to consider combining all of these recommendations. The vaccine protects you from most of the high-risk strains of the virus, but not all of them. Taking steps to protect yourself also lowers your risk of other STDs.

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How Can I Tell if I’ve Been Infected with HPV?

As HPV is usually asymptomatic, it’s most commonly diagnosed with a routine Pap test. As well as screening for cervical cancer and abnormal cells, lab techs use a small sample of cervical cells to look for changes associated with the viral infection.

If your Pap smear has abnormal results, your doctor may suggest another common diagnostic technique called a colposcopy. A colposcopy is an in-office exam that uses magnification and a special solution applied to the cervix and vagina to look for abnormal cells.

How is HPV Treated?

As mentioned, in many cases, your immune system fights the virus on its own. However, when your immune system cannot clear the virus on its own, your doctor can prescribe treatments to help manage symptoms.

Depending on your needs, your doctor may suggest prescription creams to treat warts and minimally invasive procedures to remove warts.

If your Pap smear results indicate the need for further treatment, your doctor may recommend loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). LEEP is a minimally invasive technique to remove abnormal cells and prevent potential progression to cervical cancer.

Does HPV Cause Cervical Cancer?

Some strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

These viruses also contribute to your risk of developing cancer of the vagina, vulva, and anus. Some HPV viruses can also cause penile, throat, and oropharyngeal cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, high-risk HPV causes 3% of all cancers in women (and 2% of all cancers in men).

What Are the Risks Of HPV?

As your immune system fights off most types of HPV infections, the viruses have relatively few health risks outside of the high-risk strains that can lead to cancer.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take HPV infections seriously. All sexually transmitted infections have health risks, and you should take steps to lower your chances of picking up any STD.

Have more questions?

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Can HPV Affect Fertility?

At the moment, there are few links between HPV and fertility problems.

However, new research emerges all the time, such as a recent study completed for the National Institutes of Health that found a correlation between HPV and fertility issues in men and women.

Additionally, some of the treatments for genital HPV and abnormal cervical cells may have an impact on fertility. For example, cryotherapy, cone biopsy, and loop electrosurgical excision procedures can change your cervical mucus production, cervical stenosis, or cervical insufficiency.

How Often Should I Be Tested for HPV?

The frequency of how often you should be tested for HPV will depend on your age and other risk factors for HPV. While most women under 30 don’t need to have HPV screenings, your doctor might recommend the test if you have abnormal Pap test results.

Additionally, women over 30 can choose to have an HPV test along with their Pap test. And sexually active people should have routine screenings for HPV and other STDS.

Should I Get the HPV Vaccination?

The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for anyone under the age of 26. Adults between the ages of 27 and 45 can discuss their risk with their physician and decide together if the HPV vaccination is right for them.

If you have any concerns about HPV infections or other STDS, call or book an appointment online with one of our knowledgeable doctors. Our discreet specialists at Maiden Lane Medical in New York City are ready to give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. Contact us today!

Medically Reviewed By

Fernando Mariz, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Women's Health Specialists

Rachel Barr, MD

Emily Blanton, MD

Janette Davison, MD

Ilene Fischer, MD

Dena Harris, MD

Kenneth A. Levey, MD MPH FACOG FACS

Fernando Mariz, MD

Jordan Pavia, NP

Savita Sukha, WHNP

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