The majority of HPV carriers have no symptoms. It is expected that 9 out of 10 instances resolve on their own, frequently within two years. However, there are situations when the virus remains in the body and causes symptoms.

It could also be due to the type of HPV that is transmitted. Warts can be caused by certain forms of HPV. Two instances are HPV-6 and HPV-11. Other strains, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, do not produce warts but can cause cancer in some people.

Warts

Warts are a frequent symptom that does not have to emerge immediately after HPV infection. They may form weeks, months, or even years after contracting the virus. The kind of HPV determines how warts form and where they appear on the body:

• Rough and red warts are most commonly found on the elbows, fingers, and hands. Common warts can be unpleasant and often bleed.
• As the name implies, genital warts are typically found on the vulva. They can also appear in the vagina, in the anus, or on the cervix. These warts have the appearance of inflamed, cauliflower-like clusters, tiny raised lumps, or flat bruise-like lesions. They may itch, but they rarely hurt.
• Flat warts are darker patches of skin with slightly elevated, flat tops. They may appear anywhere on the body.
• Plantar warts can be itchy, hard, and grainy in appearance. They are most commonly found on the bottoms of feet, which can be uncomfortable.

Other symptoms

Warts in the mouth and throat can be caused by the same kinds of HPV that cause genital warts. This is known as oral HPV.

Oral HPV symptoms may include:

• pain when swallowing
• unexplained weight loss
• an earache
• a sore throat that won’t go away
• hoarseness
• swollen lymph nodes

HPV and cancer

Certain forms of HPV may also cause cancer. HPV is the cause of about 31,000 malignancies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms of the most common HPV-related cancer, Cervical cancer, are:

• weight loss
• irregular vaginal bleeding
• difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
• fatigue
• unusual vaginal discharge

Other cancers that HPV can cause include:

• cancer of the penis and scrotum
• cancer of the vagina and vulva
• cancer at the back of the throat (oropharynx)
• cancer of the anus

Regular SDT testing can help ensure that aberrant results are addressed as soon as possible.

How do you get HPV?

HPV is a virus typically spread through close, skin-to-skin contact. It usually happens during vaginal or anal intercourse.

The virus is also more likely to spread if there is a skin opening, such as a cut, abrasion, or tear. These holes might be tiny and can form during sexual activity.

Unlike several other viruses, HPV can survive outside the body for brief periods. This means that the virus can be spread by touching anything that has been in contact with it.

Although it is uncommon, anyone who has HPV and becomes pregnant risks passing the virus to their kid during pregnancy or delivery.

How is HPV diagnosed?

Doctors use one of two ways to diagnose HPV:

• Examination. If you have warts, your doctor may be able to diagnose HPV through a physical examination. Also, they may perform a biopsy for additional testing in a laboratory.
• DNA analysis. Using cervix cells, this test can assist in identifying the forms of HPV that might cause cancer. This DNA could be obtained by a clinician during a Pap test.

HPV tests done on Pap test materials are used to screen for HPV infection. These are only suggested for ladies above the age of 30. HPV testing is performed in younger women or women who have an abnormal Pap test so that a doctor can identify whether HPV is the source of the aberrant result. HPV tests are not currently advised for screening men, adolescents, or women under the age of 30.

How is HPV treated?

Treatment for HPV is usually unneeded. The infection clears on its own in many people. As a result, there is no cure for HPV. However, if you have symptoms of the virus, don’t worry, they’re treatable. Also, you may ask your gynecologist about the HPV vaccine.

For example, if you have warts, there are several options available for their removal:

• laser therapy
• chemical cauterization
• medications
• freezing

The location, number, and size of the warts will determine the type of therapy. It is necessary to understand that eliminating warts does not remove the virus. HPV can still be passed on to others.

Cancers caused by HPV usually respond well to therapy if detected early.

Outlook

If HPV is detected, regular medical checks may be required to monitor or help treat symptoms.

Women should have Pap tests regularly to check for precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. Extra monitoring may be required for those who intend to become pregnant.

Doctors can recommend the optimum checkup schedule for each patient. Keeping up with these exams is critical to avoid spreading the infection to others.