Treatment FAQ

i just got hpv when will i need treatment

by Laron Donnelly DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the leading national public health institute of the United States. The CDC is a United States federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

recommends routine HPV vaccination for all sexes starting at 11 or 12 years old. In addition, it recommends vaccination for everyone through age 26 who is not adequately vaccinated. 11 The CDC does not recommend routine vaccination for people over age 26 because most people have already been exposed to HPV by this age.

Full Answer

Is there a cure for HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Treatment and Care. CDC recommends HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12 years (or can start at age 9 years) and for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already. For more information on the updated recommendations, see Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on …

Is it okay to date if you have HPV?

Aug 08, 2019 · If you test positive for HPV, there’s no treatment to get rid of the virus—but if you're under 30, chances are good it will go away on its own. “Most [HPV infections] are …

How often should you get tested for HPV?

Because HPV lives on your skin, condoms don’t fully protect you from it. Some strains cause genital warts in men and women. These warts will usually show up a few months after you are exposed to HPV. They can be treated with prescription medication or removed.

Can HPV go away on its own?

There is no specific treatment for HPV. But, there are treatments for health problems that develop from HPV. Your healthcare provider can treat genital warts with prescription medication. Cancers from HPV are more treatable when found and treated early. For more information, visit www.cancer.org . How can I lower my chance of getting HPV?

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Do I need to do anything if I have HPV?

There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause: Genital warts can go away with treatment from your healthcare provider or with prescription medicine. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.

What do you do after being diagnosed with HPV?

If you got a positive HPV test and your Pap test was abnormal, your doctor will probably follow up with a colposcopy. Try to see a physician who specializes in this procedure. During a colposcopy, your doctor will look more closely at the cervix, vagina or vulva with a special microscope called a colposcope.

How long do you have to treat HPV?

You should apply the ointment directly to the warts at least three days a week for about four months. Although imiquimod may not be effective for everyone, one study did show that warts cleared in 37 to 50 percent of people using the cream. The medicine can also boost your immune system to fight HPV.

How long after getting HPV will it show up?

According to the CDC, at least 50% of sexually active men and women will get a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. After a person has been infected by HPV, it may take one to three months (or longer in some cases) for warts to appear.Sep 21, 2021

Should I panic if I have HPV?

Being diagnosed with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can be a nerve-wracking experience. You don't need to panic, but you do need to be informed.Dec 23, 2021

Should I be worried if I tested positive for HPV?

A positive test result doesn't mean a cancer diagnosis is inevitable—it simply means you're at a higher risk. We take positive HPV results and cellular abnormalities very seriously and conduct extensive testing and regular monitoring to make sure the virus doesn't result in more serious issues.

Do I need a colposcopy if I have HPV?

Colposcopy. If you have certain symptoms that could mean cancer, if your Pap test shows abnormal cells, or if your HPV test is positive, you will most likely need to have a test called colposcopy.Jul 30, 2020

Can you get rid of HPV once you have it?

There is currently no cure for an existing HPV infection, but for most people it would be cleared by their own immune system and there are treatments available for the symptoms it can cause. You can also get the HPV vaccine to protect yourself against new infections of HPV which can cause genital warts or cancer.Oct 12, 2018

How can I clear my body of HPV?

Treatment
  1. Salicylic acid. Over-the-counter treatments that contain salicylic acid work by removing layers of a wart a little at a time. ...
  2. Imiquimod. This prescription cream might enhance your immune system's ability to fight HPV . ...
  3. Podofilox. ...
  4. Trichloroacetic acid.
Oct 12, 2021

How do I tell someone I have HPV?

How to talk to your partner about HPV
  1. Educate yourself. If you have questions about your diagnosis, your partner will likely have some, too. ...
  2. Remember: You didn't do anything wrong. Don't feel tempted to apologize for your diagnosis. ...
  3. Talk at the right time. ...
  4. Explore your options. ...
  5. Discuss your future.

Can you clear HPV after 30?

There is no cure for HPV, but 70% to 90% of infections are cleared by the immune system and become undetectable. HPV peaks in young women around age of sexual debut and declines in the late 20s and 30s. But women's risk for HPV is not over yet: There is sometimes a second peak around the age of menopause.

Can HPV be positive and then negative?

HPV is a very common virus: About one quarter of women going through college will be exposed to HPV during their college years. In most cases, your body will effectively fight the HPV virus; most women with a positive HPV test will eventually have a negative test result.

Will HPV Cause Health Problems For Me?

Most HPV infections go away on their own and don’t cause any health problems. However, if an infection does not go away, it is possible to develop...

What Are The Symptoms of HPV?

Most men who get HPV never develop symptoms and the infection usually goes away completely by itself. However, if HPV does not go away, it can caus...

What Are The Symptoms of Genital Warts?

Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area around the penis or the anus. These warts might be small or larg...

How Common Are Hpv-Related Cancers in Men?

Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, HPV-related cancers are not common in men.Certain men are more likely to develop HP...

Can I Get Tested For HPV?

No, there is currently no approved test for HPV in men.Routine testing (also called ‘screening’) to check for HPV or HPV-related disease before the...

Can I Get Treated For HPV Or Health Problems Caused by HPV?

There is no specific treatment for HPV, but there are treatments for health problems caused by HPV. Genital warts can be treated by your healthcare...

How Can I Lower My Chance of Getting HPV?

There are two steps you can take to lower your chances of getting HPV and HPV-related diseases: 1. Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effe...

Can I Get The HPV Vaccine?

In the United States, the HPV vaccine is recommended for the following men: 1. All boys at age 11 or 12 years (or as young as 9 years) 2. Older boy...

What Does Having HPV Mean For Me Or My Sex Partner’S Health?

See a healthcare provider if you have questions about anything new or unusual (such as warts, growths, lumps, or sores) on your own or your partner...

What Does HPV Mean For My Relationship?

HPV infections are usually temporary. A person may have had HPV for many years before it causes health problems. If you or your partner are diagnos...

2. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV

HPV is spread through having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It’s most commonly spread through vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be spread even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.

3. Understand your health risks

There are various types of HPV. Some strains of the virus may lead to health problems, such as genital warts and cervical or oral cancer. Warts often show up as a small bump or a group of bumps in the genital region. They can be small or large, raised or flat or shaped like a cauliflower.

4. Seek treatment, when necessary

Although there is no cure for the HPV virus itself yet, there are treatments available for the health problems that HPV can cause. Genital warts can be treated by your doctor with prescription medication. If you leave your warts untreated, they may go away, stay the same or increase in size or number.

5. Regular tests help keep an eye on precancerous signs

HPV may lead to cervical cancer in some cases. Thanks to routine Pap tests and follow-ups when needed, doctors can track problems before cancer develops. If your doctor recommends it, you can have a colposcopy, a simple procedure that uses a magnifying lens that looks for very small abnormalities on the cervix that can’t be seen by the naked eye.

6. There are many treatment options for cervical cancer

The American Cancer Society projected that 13,800 new cases of cervical cancer would be diagnosed in 2020. The good news is that cervical cancer can be treated. After establishing the stage of cervical cancer, your doctor can recommend your treatment options.

How to get HPV if you haven't gotten it yet?

Get the HPV vaccine: If you haven’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk to your doctor about it . Stay on top of your cervical cancer screenings: Talk to your doctor about how often you should be screened for cervical cell changes that might lead to cervical cancer.

How long does it take for an HPV infection to clear?

There’s no specific timeline for how long it takes your immune system to complete this process. “Studies have shown that more than 90 percent of new HPV infections, including those with high-risk types, clear or become undetectable within two years, and clearance usually occurs in the first six months after infection,” says the CDC.

What is the low risk kind of HPV?

Some types of HPV— usually strains 6 and 11 —can result in skin-colored warts that show up in the genital region, including the anus. Around one in 100 sexually active people in the United States currently has genital warts, according to the CDC. This is known as the low-risk kind of HPV because it doesn’t cause cancer.

How many people in the US have HPV?

And the good news is the answers are: usually and it depends. Here’s the deal: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States; around 79 million Americans currently have HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Can you get HPV if you clear it?

If you get one strain and clear it, you can still get others, ” Dr. Pizarro says. That’s why following the testing guidelines is so important, as is the HPV vaccine, which protects against the most common and threatening strains in just a few shots. The vaccine is recommended for people up to age 45.

Can you clear HPV if you are over 30?

If you're over 30, your body can still clear HPV, but it's less likely at this point. Your doctor may want to perform more testing, like a Pap (if you didn't get one with your HPV test) to see if you also have abnormal cervical cell changes in addition to a positive HPV test.

Is HPV a common disease?

Yes, HPV is super common. But you can lower your risk of getting it by following these tips from the CDC:

How many people have HPV?

Right now, 80 million people in the United States have HPV. What you need to know is that in most cases, your immune system clears the virus before any health problems develop. The risk for cancer increases if your body cannot fight off the virus for some reason, and it stays in your system.

What happens if you get a positive HPV test?

If you get a positive HPV test, your physician has detected one or more high risk strains of the virus on the Pap test of your cervix. If the virus stays with you for a long time, it can cause cell changes that can lead to several types of cancer.

What happens if HPV comes back negative?

Once your HPV tests come back negative, continuing with regular Pap and HPV tests mean any abnormalities that develop later can be found and treated before they become cancer.

Can your partner catch HPV?

Your partner can catch it from you. However, he or she has probably already been exposed by you or someone else. If your partner is a woman, she should be sure to follow screening guidelines and keep up with her own Pap and HPV testing so if a problem does develop, it is found early.

Is HPV a surprise?

I have HPV, now what? A positive HPV test can be a surprise, but knowing the facts can give you relief. Four out of five people will get it at some point. BY Heather Alexander. We all hope the awkwardness is over after we get our Pap and HPV tests. So hearing that you have tested positive for HPV can be a blow.

What age do you get HPV?

In the United States, HPV vaccination is recommended for: 1 Preteens at age 11 or 12 years (or can start at age 9 years) 2 Everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.

Is HPV common in men?

Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, HPV-related cancers are not common in men.

Can genital warts come back?

Usually, a healthcare provider can diagnose genital warts simply by looking at them. Genital warts can come back, even after treatment. The types of HPV that cause warts do not cause cancer.

Can HPV go away on its own?

Most HPV infections go away on their own and don’t cause any health problems. However, if an infection does not go away, it is possible to develop HPV symptoms months or years after getting infected. This makes it hard to know exactly when you became infected. Lasting HPV infection can cause genital warts or certain kinds of cancer. It is not known why some people develop health problems from HPV and others do not.

Is HPV a risk factor for sex?

Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination. At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection.

Can you test for HPV in men?

No, there is currently no approved test for HPV in men. Routine testing (also called ‘screening’) to check for HPV or HPV-related disease before there are signs or symptom, is not recommended by the CDC for anal, penile, or throat cancers in men in the United States.

What to do if you have HPV?

If you’ve been diagnosed with HPV infection, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath. Odds are, you’re going to be fine.

How long does it take for HPV to clear?

The overwhelming majority of HPV infections do NOT lead to cervical cancer. From 90%-95% of the time, the infection clears, usually within 1-2 years, without you, or anyone, doing anything.

How long can you wait between Pap smears?

So much so that if both the Pap and HPV test are normal, the risk for cervical cancer plummets, and you can safely wait up to 5 years between Pap smears.

Which is better HPV or Pap?

HPV testing is better at finding precancerous lesions than a Pap smear, so what the Pap misses, the HPV test will find.

What is a high risk HPV test?

So does everyone else with a positive HPV test. “High-risk” HPV subtypes are called that to distinguish them from the “low-risk” types that cause genital warts. HPV tests only check for the high-risk types. So by definition, if you’re HPV-positive, you have a high-risk strain.

Do women with HPV have precancerous lesions?

Most of the women who have a positive HPV test actually do not have precancerous lesions. They just have HPV. That’s what happened to NYC Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, who then went public with her HPV diagnosis on Twitter. After she had more testing, she found out that she was fine.

Can you ignore Pap abnormality?

Of course, you don’t want to ignore the fact that your Pap is abnormal, or that you have HPV.

What is the only HPV test that is routine?

The only HPV test the CDC recommends as routine is a cervical test, which may be done alongside a Pap smear. 6

How many people have HPV?

HPV is a more widespread sexually transmitted disease (STD) than one might imagine. All told, around 79 million Americans have HPV, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, most of whom were infected in their late teens and early 20s.

What is the prevalence of HPV?

According to the NHCS, high-risk genital HPV prevalence is 22.7%. Even so, having a high-risk strain does not mean someone will definitely get cancer. 2

Is HPV a cancer?

While it can lead to some kinds of cancers, most strains are not high risk and clear on their own.

Can you date someone with HPV?

It can be scary to learn that you are dating someone with human papillomavirus (HPV). You may worry about getting infected or have heard that people with HPV can develop cancer. Many people with HPV never have symptoms, leaving you to wonder if you may have already been infected. All of these are reasonable concerns.

Can HPV be positive?

Getting a positive HPV diagnosis doesn't necessarily suggest anything other than the need to monitor for cancer or precancer. Even then, the benefits of testing apply most to people with a cervix.

Can you get tested for HPV if your partner gave it to you?

The same applies to tests used to detect oral HPV in women and men. If you decide to get tested for HPV , you can't necessarily assume that your partner gave it to you if the test comes back positive. Given the high rate of infection, there is often little way of knowing when the exposure occurred.

How long does it take for genital warts to develop?

Of these types, some can cause genital warts (“low-risk” HPV) while others may cause abnormal cell changes, most commonly of the cervix (“high-risk” HPV).HPV Latency: It can take weeks, months, or even years after exposure to HPV before symptoms develop or the virus is detected.

Can you use acetic wash to test for HPV?

Some health care providers apply an acetic wash (vinegar) as a means of highlighting lesions, but this is not a specific test for HPV and may lead to overdiagnosis.Most cases of HPV, in either gender, remain unconfirmed clinically.

Can HPV be tested?

Testing options for HPV are limited and most cases are never diagnosed.Pap tests, for example are not specific screening for HPV; they are designed to detect abnormal cell changes of the cervix. HPV DNA testing is not currently approved to test infection status.

Can you get HPV from being sexually active?

As mentioned above, most sexually active people are likely to be exposed to HPV at some point, though most never have visible symptoms and remain unaware. Having HPV simply means you, like so many others, have been exposed to a common virus.

Is HPV difficult to deal with?

HPV and Relationships. The emotional toll of dealing with HPV is often as difficult as the medical aspects and can be more awkward to address. This may be the area where you feel most vulnerable, and the lack of clear counseling messages can make this even more stressful, especially where relationships are concerned.

Can you date someone with HPV?

With a new relationship it may be good to date for a while and allow aspects of the relationship besides sex to develop as you get to know one another and become closer. Most sexually active couples share HPV until the immune response suppresses the infection.

Is HPV a long term relationship?

A recent diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean anyone has been unfaithful, even in a long-term relationship spanning years.Medical Impact: The medical risks of genital HPV do exist and should not to be overlooked, but a key point is that for most people, HPV is a harmless infection that does not result in visible symptoms or health complications.

How long does it take for HPV to clear?

92% of all hpv infections clear themselves from the body within 2 years of being infected. Of the types that persist longer than that, you typically are infected 10, 20 or more years before the hpv progresses into precancerous cells that are detected on pap tests.

Can you get a yearly pap test?

Unless you get an abnormal pap test with precancerous cells, nothing to do but just continue to get yearly pap tests done. If you do start to get abnormal pap test results, usually a colposcopy is done and then a LEEP if need be ( or other procedures).

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