Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment of hpv

by Tyrell Rutherford Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Treatment

  • Medications. Medications to eliminate warts are typically applied directly to the lesion and usually take many applications before they're successful.
  • Surgical and other procedures
  • Treatment for HPV in the cervix. If you have an abnormal HPV or Pap test, your gynecologist will perform a procedure called a colposcopy.

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

Full Answer

Can you get rid of HPV once you have it?

The vast majority of people with HPV get rid of the virus naturally. It is not lethal unless it causes untreated cancer, and it’s very likely to simply go away on its own. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 90 percent of HPV infections are "cleared" by the body within two years.

What is the best treatment for HPV virus?

Treatment

  • Medications. Medications to eliminate warts are typically applied directly to the lesion and usually take many applications before they're successful.
  • Surgical and other procedures
  • Treatment for HPV in the cervix. If you have an abnormal HPV or Pap test, your gynecologist will perform a procedure called a colposcopy.

What do I do if I have high risk HPV?

These include:

  • uncircumcised men
  • men with weak immune systems due to HIV or organ transplant
  • men who engage in anal sex or sexual activity with other men

Can HPV be prevented and are there treatment options?

Vaccination is prevention and does not cure an infection once you have it. The HPV vaccine is not used to treat HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV. HPV vaccination offers the most protection when given at ages 9-12. HPV vaccination is estimated to prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers.

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What is the best treatment for HPV?

HPV treatment optionsHPV usually does not need treatment. ... According to one study , the most effective treatment for genital warts is surgical removal. ... Cryotherapy is a procedure where a doctor freezes off genital warts. ... For home treatment, a doctor may recommend Condylox and Imiquimod.

What medication gets rid of HPV?

What is the best medication for HPV?Best medications for HPVCondylox (podofilox)Keratolytic AgentTopicalTrichloroacetic acidKeratolytic AgentTopicalAldara (imiquimod)Immune Response ModifiersTopicalZyclaraImmune Response ModifiersTopical1 more row•Oct 5, 2020

How can HPV be cleared?

HPV goes away on its own and doesn't cause health problems in many people. For most people who have a healthy immune system, HPV will clear itself within one to two years.

How is HPV treated and prevented?

There is no cure for HPV but vaccines are available to prevent infection by the most common HPV viruses; unfortunately, usage is low. Most people will clear HPV spontaneously. Those who do not are at high risk for developing malignancy. Treatment mainstays are destruction and excision of the lesions.

How do you treat HPV in females?

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

Do antibiotics cure HPV?

Since HPV is a viral infection, it is resistant to antibiotics. This means HPV cannot be treated by medication designed to treat bacterial infections. As of now, there are no antiviral medications that have been approved to treat HPV.

What are the signs of HPV in a woman?

HPV can infect cells in the vagina and around the vulva. If a female has low risk HPV, they may see warts on the vulva. These warts may present as: a cluster that looks like a cauliflower....Some symptoms of vaginal cancer include :bleeding after sex.unusual discharge.a lump in the vagina.pain while having sex.

How do you know if HPV is gone?

Most strains of HPV go away permanently without treatment. Because of this, it isn't uncommon to contract and clear the virus completely without ever knowing that you had it. HPV doesn't always cause symptoms, so the only way to be sure of your status is through regular testing. HPV screening for men isn't available.

What causes HPV in females?

You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.

How can I get rid of HPV fast?

TreatmentSalicylic acid. Over-the-counter treatments that contain salicylic acid work by removing layers of a wart a little at a time. ... Imiquimod. This prescription cream might enhance your immune system's ability to fight HPV . ... Podofilox. ... Trichloroacetic acid.

Do HPV warts disappear?

Most HPV infections that cause genital warts will go away on their own, taking anywhere from a few months to two years. But even if your genital warts disappear without treatment, you may still have the virus. When left untreated, genital warts can grow very large and in big clusters.

How can a man tell if he has HPV?

While men can be infected with HPV, there are no approved tests available for men. However, your doctor may do an anal pap test if have had anal sex. Your doctor will be able to diagnose low-risk HPV and cutaneous HPV through a physical or visual exam.

How to treat HPV in the cervix?

If you have an abnormal HPV or Pap test, your gynecologist will perform a procedure called a colposcopy. Using an instrument that provides a magnified view of the cervix (colposcope), your doctor will look closely at the cervix and take samples (biopsy) of any areas that look abnormal.

What is the best treatment for warts?

Salicylic acid. Over-the-counter treatments that contain salicylic acid work by removing layers of a wart a little at a time. For use on common warts, salicylic acid can cause skin irritation and isn't for use on your face. Imiquimod. This prescription cream might enhance your immune system's ability to fight HPV.

How long does it take for HPV to clear?

What to Do If You Have HPV. In most cases, the immune system will be able to clear human papillomavirus (HPV) on its own within 18 to 24 months, usually with no long-term consequences, though that is not always the case. 1 . Because there are no drugs available to treat an active HPV infection, HPV treatment involves resolving HPV symptoms ...

How to check for HPV?

If a woman tests positive for cervical HPV infection but has a normal Pap smear, the doctor may do one of two things: 4  1 Schedule another round of tests in 12 months. If the results are normal, you can return to normal screening. If they are not, additional testing will be needed. 2 Perform an HPV test to identify the two high-risk HPV strains (HPV 16 and HPV 18) that account for 70% of all cervical cancers. 5  If the results are negative (meaning you have not been infected with these specific viruses), you can be retested in 12 months as a safeguard. If the results are positive, additional testing will be needed.

What is the best treatment for warts?

Cryotherapy (freezing warts with liquid nitrogen) Electrocautery (using electricity to burn warts away) Surgery. Laser therapy. Trichloracetic acid (applied topically to gradually remove a wart) Genital warts should never be considered normal, and you should not treat them at home without first seeing a doctor.

What is the name of the condition that can lead to abnormal changes in the tissues of the genitals or an

Dysplasia. Infection with certain high-risk HPV strains can lead to abnormal changes in the tissues of the genitals or anus. 9  Known as dysplasia, these changes can vary in severity from mild ( low-grade) to serious (high-grade).

What is the treatment for dysplasia?

For persons with moderate- to high-grade dysplasia, treatment would involve the removal of affected tissue using either a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cone biopsy, cryotherapy, or other surgical techniques. 11 . It is important to remember that dysplasia is not cancer.

Can HPV be treated with drugs?

Because there are no drugs available to treat an active HPV infection, HPV treatment involves resolving HPV symptoms and monitoring for any changes in the skin or mucosal cells ; in addition to causing genital warts, more than 30 of the approximately 150 viruses that make up HPV are linked to cervical, anal, and other cancers.

Do genital warts cause health problems?

Though unsightly and uncomfortable, genital warts generally do not pose any major health risk. Most are caused by two low-risk strains, known as HPV 6 and HPV 11, which account for around 90% of all genital wart outbreaks. 8 

What does a doctor do if you have HPV?

If you have HPV, your doctor will want to make sure you don’t develop any problems from it . If you’re a woman, your doctor may swab cells from your cervix, just like when you get a Pap test, and send them to a lab for testing. This analysis looks for genetic material, or DNA, of HPV within the body's cells.

Why do you need a Pap test for HPV?

If your doctor finds that you have a type of HPV that can lead to cancer, they may suggest you get Pap tests more often to watch for signs of abnormal cell changes in the genital area. Abnormal cell changes in the cervix may be a warning sign cervical cancer.

How to remove a wart from a spherical object?

Your doctor can also prescribe other types of wart-removal treatments. Among the options: 1 Cryotherapy freezes off of the wart with liquid nitrogen. 2 Trichloracetic acid is a chemical that’s put on the surface of the wart. 3 They can remove the cells surgically, with a scalpel. 4 They can burn off warts using an electric current (electrocautery). 5 A laser can vaporize the warts.

How long does it take for genital warts to grow?

HPV types 6 and 11, which are linked to genital warts, tend to grow for about 6 months, then stabilize. Sometimes, visible genital warts go away without treatment. If you need treatment, your doctor can prescribe a cream that you can use at home. There are two options:

How long does it take for podofilox to kill warts?

There are two options: Podofilox ( Condylox) Imiquimod ( Aldara, Zyclara) You’d use podofilox for about 4 weeks. It destroys the wart tissue. Research shows that about 45% to 90% of warts clear up, but sometimes the warts come back. Imiquimod boosts the immune system so it fights off the virus.

Does cryotherapy remove warts?

It often clears the warts, but not always permanently. Your doctor can also prescribe other types of wart-removal treatments. Among the options: Cryotherapy freezes off of the wart with liquid nitrogen. Trichloracetic acid is a chemical that’s put on the surface of the wart.

Do warts go away?

Warts on moist surfaces respond better to treatments that go right on them, compared with warts on drier surfaces. If your warts don't go away after several treatments, your doctor might have more tests done to see if something else is going on.

Screening Recommendations

Recommendations for cervical cancer screening in the United States are based on systematic evidence reviews by major medical and advocacy organizations, including USPSTF ( 174 ), ACS ( 177 ), and ACOG ( 175 ).

Counseling

Persons might believe the cytology (Pap test) or HPV test screens for conditions other than cervical cancer, or they might be confused by abnormal results ( 1252 – 1254 ).

Promoting Cervical Cancer Screening

Clinics can use the evidence-based interventions in the Community Preventive Services Task Force guidelines to promote cervical cancer screening in their communities ( https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/cancer-screening-multicomponent-interventions-cervical-cancer external icon ).

Key Messages About Cervical Cancer Screening

When counseling persons about cervical cancer screening, the provider should discuss the following:

Management of Sex Partners

The benefit of disclosing a positive HPV test to current and future sex partners is unclear. The following counseling messages can be communicated to sex partners:

Screening Recommendations in Special Populations

Persons who are pregnant should be screened at the same intervals as those who are not. A swab, Ayre’s spatula, or cytobrush can be used for obtaining cytology test samples during pregnancy ( 1268 – 1270 ).

Human Papillomavirus Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening

Clinical tests for HPV are used for the following: cervical cancer screening as a primary test, cervical cancer screening with a cytology test, triage of some abnormal cervical cytology results, follow-up after abnormal screening test results, follow-up after a colposcopy in which no CIN 2 or CIN 3 is found, and follow-up after treatment of cervical precancers.

What are the most common symptom of HPV?

Warts are the most common symptom of HPV infections. For some people, this may mean genital warts. These can appear as flat lesions, tiny stem-like lumps, or as small cauliflower-like bumps. Although they may itch, they generally don’t cause pain or discomfort.

What is the best way to remove warts?

cryotherapy, or freezing and removing the tissue. luster therapy. surgery. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for wart removal. The best option for you will depend on several factors, including the size, number, and location of your warts.

How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?

Depending on the state of your immune system, this can take 5 to 20 years to develop. Cervical cancer is generally asymptomatic until it has reached a later stage. Advanced symptoms of cervical cancer include: HPV can also lead to cancers that affect the following areas of the body:

Where do genital warts appear?

On men, they appear on the penis and scrotum. Both men and women can have genital warts around the anus. Although genital warts may be the first type of wart to come to mind, this isn’t always the case. You may also experience: Common warts. These rough, raised bumps appear on the hands, fingers, or elbows.

Can HPV infection clear up on its own?

They’re generally not painful. In most cases, HPV infections won’t show symptoms and will clear up on their own.

Can HPV go away on its own?

At this time, there isn’t a cure for HPV, though its symptoms can be treated.

Can you cure HPV naturally?

Natural treatments for HPV symptoms. At this time, there aren’t any medically-supported natural treatments for symptoms of HPV. According to an article in Science News, a 2014 pilot study explored the effects of shiitake mushroom extract on clearing HPV from the body, but it produced mixed results.

How do you get rid of HPV?

Treatments might include: Cryosurgery: Freezing the warts off with liquid nitrogen.

What age can you get HPV?

Gardasil® and Gardasil9® protect against the development of cervical cancer and genital warts. They are approved for girls and women a ges 9 to 26, as well as for boys and men ages 9 to 26 to protect against genital warts.

What is the term for a pre-cancerous condition that occurs when the human papilloma

Cervical dysplasia : A pre-cancerous condition that occurs when the human papilloma virus (HPV) leads to changes in the cells of the cervix. Cervix: The tip of the uterus, where the vagina meets the uterus. Genital warts: Hard, rough lumps that develop on the skin. Groin: Where the genital area meets the inner thigh.

Where do genital warts appear?

In women, genital warts most often appear in the following areas of the body: On the vulva (the outer female genital area) In or around the vagina. In or around the anus. On the groin (where the genital area meets the inner thigh) On the cervix.

What is the name of the tumor that grows in the cervix?

Cervical cancer is a condition in which the cells in the lining of the cervix — the narrow, outer end of the uterus — change and grow very fast, producing a grouping of cells called a tumor. This condition usually develops over time. It can affect women of any age, but it is most common in women in their mid-40s.

How many people are infected with HPV?

Approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, with roughly 14 million people becoming newly infected each year. Most men and women — about 80 percent of sexually active people — are infected with HPV at some point in their lives, but most people never know they have the virus.

Can you get HPV from genital warts?

The diagnosis of HPV in men is made when external genital warts are seen. Since there is no treatment for HPV that has no symptoms, most men with the infection are not treated. Sometimes, a healthcare provider can see small warts that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

What is HPV in Vietnamese?

HPV (human papillomavirus) Print and Share (PDF 2350KB) En Español In Chamorro In Urdu In Vietnamese. HPV (human papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted virus. It is passed on through genital contact (such as vaginal and anal sex). It is also passed on by skin-to-skin contact. HPV is not a new virus.

Why do women need a Pap test?

All women should get regular Pap tests. The Pap test looks for cell changes caused by HPV. The test finds cell changes early -- so the cervix can be treated before the cells turn into cancer. This test can also find cancer in its early stages so it can be treated before it becomes too serious.

Can HPV be tested for cervical cancer?

Is there a test for HPV? Yes. It tests for the kinds of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer. The FDA approved the HPV test to be used for women over 30 years old. It may find HPV even before there are changes to the cervix. Women who have the HPV test still need to get the Pap test.

Can you get HPV from genital contact?

Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person may have HPV. Both men and women may get it -- and pass it on-- without knowing it. Since there might not be any signs, a person may have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sex. You are more likely to get HPV if you have:

Can genital warts be passed on?

There are many treatment choices for genital warts. But even after the warts are treated , the virus might still be there and may be passed on to others. If genital warts are not treated they may go away, stay the same, or increase in size or number, but they will not turn into cancer.

Is vaginal cancer rare?

Vaginal cancer is cancer of the vagina (birth canal). Vulvar cancer is cancer of the clitoris, vaginal lips, and opening to the vagina. Both of these kinds of cancer are very rare. Not all vaginal or vulvar cancer is caused by HPV.

How long does it take for HPV to clear?

HPV in men may clear from the body more easily than in women. Women, in general, often clear the virus in two years or less. The HPV types associated with cervical cancer usually do not cause health problems for a heterosexual man having sex with an HPV-infected woman.

How old is too old to take Gardasil 9?

In the U.S. Gardasil 9 is available to prevent HPV infection, cervical, and anal cancer. It can be given to men and women as young as age 9 through age 45. If a man's long-term sexual partner has HPV, chances are good HPV transmission has already occurred and they also have it.

What is anal pap?

In an anal Pap test, the doctor collects cells from the anus, and then has them checked for abnormalities in a lab. Treatments for HPV Infection in Men. There is no treatment for HPV infection in men when no symptoms are present. Instead, doctors treat the health problems that are caused by the HPV virus.

Can vinegar be used to check for warts?

Some doctors will apply a vinegar solution to help identify warts that aren't raised and visible. But the test is not foolproof. Sometimes normal skin is mistakenly identified as a wart. There is no routine test for men to check for high-risk HPV strains that can cause cancer.

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Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Prescriptions

  • Genital warts and anal warts are caused by human papillomavirus. There are roughly 40 different low-risk HPV types that can cause genital warts, the vast majority of which are caused by HPV6 and HPV11.8 The HPV types that cause genital warts rarely cause cancer. Even so, they can be itchy, painful, or unsightly.8 Most genital warts will resolve on their own without treatment withi…
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Surgery and Specialist-Driven Procedures

  • Specialist procedures, including surgery, are sometimes used to treat genital warts that are not responsive to at-home treatments. The same applies to HPV-related changes in cells that can lead to cancer, referred to as dysplasia.
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Vaccination

  • Scientists have long been trying to develop a therapeutic vaccine that can prevent high-risk HPV from causing cancer. Despite advances in research, there are currently no therapeutic HPV vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).21 This doesn't mean that the current preventive vaccine, called Gardasil-9, doesn't play a role in people who already have HPV…
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Summary

  • There is no cure for human papillomavirus (HPV). The treatment is instead focused on managing the conditions that HPV can cause. This includes genital and HPV warts. These conditions may be treated with topical prescription drugs or removed with procedures like cryotherapy, laser therapy, electrocautery, and surgery. There are also procedures used ...
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A Word from Verywell

  • While an HPV diagnosis can be distressing, it helps you catch any problems before they become serious or even life-threatening. By and large, treatments for HPV-associated conditions have few complications. Many of the treatments are covered, at least in part, by health insurance. Patient assistance and co-pay assistance programsare also available to reduce your out-of-pocket cost…
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