The human papilloma virus can create a variety of infections. To diagnose HPV, a doctor will perform a series of blood tests and use a physical examination. Women who suffer from HPV are commonly diagnosed using a Pap smear at their regularly scheduled gynecological appointment.
Identification
The human papilloma virus is the virus that is transmitted in sexually transmitted diseases. There are more than 100 varieties of HPV; more than 30 of these varieties are the foundation of various sexually transmitted diseases. While the different conditions can vary in terms of their severity, the initial symptoms associated with an HPV condition are normally consistent with each other. Some forms of HPV can be treated to the point of being cured, while others, such as herpes, can only be managed but not cured. Some forms of HPV are not sexually transmitted, but they still cause symptoms similar to a sexually transmitted disease.
Types
One of the more common forms of the HPV is the common wart. The common wart can appear anywhere on the body except for the genitalia. Warts that appear on the genitalia are specific to the sexually transmitted diseases, but common warts are normally just mild forms of HPV that can easily be treated. Another form of HPV that is not sexually transmitted is a condition known as plantar warts. These are painful warts that appear on the soles of the feet, and normally have a black spot in the middle of them. Flat warts are white- or beige-capped warts that usually appear anywhere on the upper body, and can become very itchy.
Effects
Genital warts are the most common early symptom of HPV in a sexually transmitted disease. Genital warts are identified by their rough and bumpy surface, and by their typical appearance in small groups of around 10 warts. They may also appear as a lesion on the skin. They are pink in color and painless to touch. In men, genital warts normally appear around the tip of the penis; in women, they normally appear on the skin that surrounds the vagina.
Prevention/Solution
Common warts and flat warts can be removed surgically. Cryosurgery is sometimes used to remove warts. This is a process where the wart is frozen, after which it can be easily removed by the doctor. In more extreme cases, laser surgery may by used to remove persistent warts. In the case of genital warts, a doctor may recommend surgery, or may recommend a regimen of medications designed to prevent the constant recurrence of the condition. The Centers for Disease Control recommend receiving a vaccination that was approved in 2006 as a way of protecting against the possible onset of HPV.
Considerations
One of the concerns for women regarding HPV is the possibility of contracting cervical cancer from the virus. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, about 10 of the 30 known human papilloma viruses that are responsible for sexually transmitted diseases could potentially cause cervical cancer. However, nearly 90 percent of the women diagnosed with a cervical human papilloma virus are symptom-free within two years.
Expert Insight
The Mayo Clinic indicates that it is possible to be infected with HPV and not display any symptoms. In some cases the symptoms may show up later, or in other cases, the symptoms may never show up at all.
Tags: sexually transmitted, human papilloma, sexually transmitted diseases, transmitted diseases, papilloma virus
