The Symptoms of HPV in Women
There are over 100 strains of the human papillomavirus
(HPV) and they can cause a variety of different symptoms;
however, many HPV infections create no symptoms at all.
While HPV is a common infection, most people who have
it are completely unaware of the fact. The most commonly-recognized
HPV symptom in women is genital warts; this is also
the most common HPV symptom that is experienced by people
who have the infection.
HPV is spread by skin to skin contact. Genital HPV
is spread by sexual intercourse or by any other contact
with infected genitals; it not necessary to have intercourse
to transmit or contract HPV. This fact is important
to be understood regarding the spread of HPV, especially
by young people. Because it is so easily spread and
contracted, most people will have HPV at least once
in their lives.
The HPV virus symptoms that a woman may experience
depend on the type or strain of the virus they have
contracted. The most common symptom, and the most-easily
recognized, is genital warts. These may occur anywhere
in the genital or anal area but are usually found on
the vulva, the cervix, around or in the anus or vagina. These warts are soft and moist, flesh colored or pink;
they may be flat on the skin, rounded and raised or
shaped much like a cauliflower. Genital warts caused
by the human papillomavirus might occur in groups or
just singly. They can appear within weeks or months
of the woman being infected.
Some strains of HPV virus cause pre-cancerous changes
to the cervix, vulva or anus, which may develop into
more serious cancers. While this is the exception rather
than the rule, HPV remains the leading cause of cervical
cancer in women. Those who are most at risk of developing
cancer are those women who have had an HPV infection
for many years – 10 years or more. Unfortunately,
not all these women will be aware that they have been
infected.
Of the 14 or so strains of HPV that have been identified
as high risk for causing cancer, HPV 16 and 18 are the
most common. The common HPV symptom of genital warts
can help to identify the type of HPV infection –
those that may lead to cancer are usually flat and almost
invisible.
These signs of HPV may be picked up during
a regular Pap test, which is one of the important reasons
every woman should consider this test a necessary part
of her health routine. The earlier pre-cancerous changes
or cervical cancer is detected, the better the chance
of successful treatment and recovery.
Recognizing the symptoms of HPV is an important step
in preventing the spread of the virus but, as there
is no known cure as yet, it won't help those who are
already infected. Identifying the strain of HPV can
determine whether it is dangerous or not and certain
lifestyle changes can help to strengthen the body's
own immune system to fight off the virus. The HPV vaccine
is proving effective at preventing many of the common
types of this infection, including those that can lead
to cervical cancer.
With HPV, discovering signs or symptoms is not an accurate
means of identifying whether you have the infection
or not. Remember, most women have absolutely no idea
that they have been infected until more serious symptoms
of cervical cancer appear. |
