The Silent Killer: HPV Do You Have It?

July 16th, 2012 - By madamenoire

Can it be prevented?

Well, yes it can.  And fellas, this is not just for the ladies either. There are vaccines that can help protect against some of the most common types of HPV. Two vaccines can help females against cervical cancer (Cervarix and Gardasil), while one of the vaccines can help protect against warts, anal or penile cancer (Gardasil). The CDC recommends both vaccines for females ages 11 through 26 years old. For fellas, just Gardasil is recommended for ages 11 through 26.

Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with partners who you notice genital warts can help reduce your risk. In addition, if you limit the amount of people who you have had sex with, you can also decrease the chances of getting HPV.

Do Condoms help?

Yes, they can reduce the chance you get the virus, but remember, condoms are designed to cover the penis only. This leaves the scrotum (aka “balls”) and the surrounding area exposed to still be able to transmit the virus.

So, I have HPV, now what?

Well, this is where your doctor comes in. Your doctor can discuss treatments of HPV from removal of the warts to further testing and treatment for other HPV related conditions.

Disclaimer:

The information contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion between you and your physician. Please consult your physician for further information in regards to your own general care. And always remember, knowledge is power!

References
Boardman, Cecelia H. “Cervical Cancer Treatment & Management.” Emedicine. Medscape

“CDC – Human Papillomavirus (HPV).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Gearhart, Peter. “Human Papillomavirus.” Emedicine. Medscape,

Dr. Mercy Edionwe is a physician specializing in internal medicine. She earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and afterwards, completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. During her free time, she loves to write and educate the public on medical issues. She currently resides in Texas. You can follow her on Twitter at @fuchsiamd.

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  • Shawty

    Sometimes, in these cases, one may want to get a second opinion. I went for a Pap once and the doctor told me that it looked like I had HPV lesions on my cervix. I had no symptoms. The results came back NEGATIVE for HPV of any kind, and after that I got the 3 series of HPV shots (Gardasil). I in turn, went to an actual OB-GYN (not a family doctor) and after reading the test results, the lady said that I didn’t have HPV of any sort and if I did have lesions, it would be considered HPV right off the bat (lesions not even mentioned in the report). I was really relieved. I went back a year later for a Pap and it came out NEGATIVE. I’m glad I went to get a second opinion.

  • GOOGLESCARESME

    If you have HPV, like I do, DO NOT GOOGLE ANYTHING. Google is a very scary place when you Google your own sicknesses. This is why it is best to talk to your doctor, any doctor you get in contact with, about the virus. They will tell you anything you want to know and will ease some of your fears. Doctor’s do say that if you are feeling ill, or find anything abnormal, don’t go to the internet and self diagnose. Visit a Physician instead. For example, I had a simple cold and Google told me I had Lyme Disease. Lol. I was freaked out!

  • Rose

    *a lot of people DON’T know what is…let alone being aware. (Sry I was typing fast)

  • Rose

    When the my GYN told me I have HPV, I knew the name, but wasn’t familiar with what it was and what it can do. That’s the problem with HPV I noticed…not a lot of people know what it is…let alone being aware. I told my sex partners what I had and they would ask, ‘What the hell is HPV?’ There should be more awareness. From someone who has the virus, there are no symptoms whatsoever. I was in a lot of shock when I found out about it. I even told the GYN that I feel fine. Also be aware that condoms don’t work 100% and the virus can be found under the fingernails. That’s why I wash my hands before going to the bathroom, after the bathroom, before eating, and after eating. Please get yourself checked. I thought nothing of HPV until I was diagnosed.

  • meena

    So if you have any type of warts you have HPV I had a wart as a child it went away now I have a small 1 on my face which I’m healing right now.This saddens me:-(

    • MOE

      No, it does not mean you have HPV. Usually genital warts is the one that is caused by HPV.

      • meena

        Oh thank you I will be getting that vaccine Asap!!

  • http://profiles.google.com/chloe1chen2 chloe smith

    Sites like Hsoulmate,com have allowed people living with an STD to be able to safely and comfortably reach out to meet others living with the same issues. The “issues” one faces having STD’s are not entirely physical….By joining with others you can overcome the mental anguish, loneliness and at times anger associated from having to “live with”.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=508461942 Veronica Williams

    Had it, was blessed to be able to see a good doctor to get it treated. Currently keeping up with my status and I am all clear. Not many know about it, and this really is an insightful article I wish I had years ago. Please do get checked…it may save your life.

    • nikki

      I actually went in for a routine pap and found out that my cervical cells were abnormal and found out that I have HPV. I was freaked out because as you know it can cause cervical cancer. I’m 24 and thought I’m too young to die! Dramatic I know. Thankfully after 6 months of another checkup my cells were back to normal. That doesn’t meant I’m in the clear, I have to get a yearly pap smear from now on (which women are supposed to do anyway). I am grateful to not have warts though. The only thing about what you said is that it can’t necessarily be treated, because it is a virus. And like a cold it will always be in your system. Unless you are talking about the treatment of genital warts. I was offered the HPV shot and took two doses but didn’t take the third one because I felt like it was making me sick. Obviously it is more helpful if you take the shots before you get it at all but my doc was adamant that it would still prevent further forms of HPV because there are so many different strains of it. Also I was with my boyfriend for a little over a year so needless to say he had it and didn’t even know he had it. So protect yourself ladies and realize that you don’t have to be promiscuous to be susceptible these things.

  • Dee

    My friend was diagnosed with hpv a little over a year ago and I’m constantly telling her to eat healthy and abstain from sexual activities with multiple partners to no avail. She has never went back to the Gyn to get a check up or anything she says she has other things to worry about smh

    • Wow

      That is so unfortunate and really disheartening to hear.

  • lalatarea

    its so sad the number of women who die from cervical cancer because they don’t get their yearly exam, if caught early over 93% of patients survive 5 years or longer! get tested, there ate so many resources our there that can choicer cost if you can’t afford it.

  • Lexa

    This was really an insightful article!

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