HPV Infection – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers usually start by looking for visible warts on the skin or genital area when they suspect human papillomavirus (HPV). Not all HPV infections show obvious symptoms, though.
In those cases, several tests help spot the virus or any changes in cells.
Acetic Acid Test: When a provider applies vinegar (acetic acid) to the genitals, areas infected with HPV might turn white. This trick makes flat or hard-to-see lesions easier to spot.
Pap Test: A provider collects cells from the cervix or vagina to check for abnormal changes that could lead to cervical cancer. Pap tests play a big part in cervical cancer screening.
- HPV DNA Test: This test checks a sample of cervical cells for high-risk HPV types that are known to cause cancer. Providers often use it along with a Pap test, especially for women 30 and older. Using both tests together increases the odds of finding cells linked to cervical cancer.
Treatment
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicine
Some medicines can be applied right to the warts to treat them. These treatments usually need to be repeated a few times before they work.
Here are a few options:
| Medicine | How It Works | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid | Removes wart layer by layer | Skin irritation |
| Imiquimod | Boosts immune response | Swelling, redness |
| Podofilox | Kills genital wart tissue | Burning, itching |
| Trichloroacetic Acid | Burns off wart tissue | Irritation, pain |
- Salicylic Acid: You can buy this without a prescription. It removes the wart layer by layer, but don’t use it on your face—it can be too harsh.
- Imiquimod: This prescription cream helps your immune system fight HPV. It might cause swelling or redness where you put it.
- Podofilox: You apply this directly to genital warts, and it destroys the wart tissue. Sometimes it burns or itches.
- Trichloroacetic Acid: This chemical burns off warts, especially on hands, feet, or genitals. It can sting or cause irritation.
Surgical and Non-Medical Methods
If medicines aren’t enough to get rid of warts, other options are available.
- Cryotherapy: The provider freezes the wart with liquid nitrogen.
- Electrocautery: They burn off the wart using an electric current.
- Surgery: The doctor removes warts with a surgical tool.
- Laser Removal: Focused light destroys the wart tissue.
Doctors often use these methods for stubborn warts or in places where creams just don’t work. They can help with genital and anogenital warts.
Managing HPV on the Cervix
When HPV shows up on the cervix, providers use special procedures. A colposcopy lets a doctor look closely at the cervix and take samples, called biopsies, from any areas that look unusual.
If they find abnormal or precancerous cells, treatment options include:
- Cryosurgery: Freezing off the abnormal tissue.
- Laser Surgery: Removing damaged areas with a laser.
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): Using a thin, electrically charged wire to remove a small section of cervical tissue.
- Cold Knife Conization: Surgically removing a cone-shaped piece of the cervix.
These treatments aim to prevent more serious problems. Regular screening and treatment can lower the risk of complications from HPV.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
How to Prepare Yourself
You can make your visit smoother by bringing key information and being ready to talk about important topics. It’s a good idea to write down all your symptoms, even if some seem unrelated, and note when they started.
Jot down any recent life events or stressors, including big changes that might affect your health.
Make a list of:
- Current Medicines and Supplements: Include both prescription and over-the-counter items, with exact doses.
- Your Medical and Sexual History: Mention any history of HPV or concerns about exposure.
-
Questions for Your Healthcare Provider: For example:
- What usually causes these symptoms?
- Are other reasons possible?
- Will I need any tests?
- What steps can help prevent HPV infection in the future?
Feel free to ask about self-collection options, how the immune system deals with HPV, and ways to protect the genital area if you’re worried.
What Your Healthcare Professional May Ask
When you show up for your appointment, your healthcare provider will probably ask a few questions to get a better sense of what’s going on.
They might want to know how many sexual partners you have now or have had before. If you know anything about your partner’s sexual history, they’ll ask about that too.
They’ll also look at where any genital warts are and what they look like. Don’t be surprised if they ask whether the warts hurt, itch, or just bother you.
You might get questions about what makes your symptoms feel better or worse. It’s honestly best to just be open about everything. When you give clear details, your provider can actually help you figure out what’s next.
