Preventing and managing HPV is important to overall gynecological health

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common type of treatable sexually transmitted infection. While most people who are infected have no symptoms, and the infection usually goes away on its own, it can cause serious problems for women’s overall health. Our San Antonio OBGYNs encourage all sexually active women to keep up with their annual well-woman visits, as these are one of the best ways to stay ahead of the risks associated with HPV.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts and certain types of cancers. This virus is transferred from person to person through sexual contact, including oral sex as well as vaginal or anal sex. Anyone who is sexually active needs to be aware that they are at risk for contracting human papillomavirus.

This infection typically clears up on its own within two years, but in about 1 in 10 cases, it lingers and can cause serious complications, including cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, throat, tongue and tonsils.

Most people who are infected with HPV are unaware of it because they don’t have any symptoms. However, in some cases, infection can cause warts, growths, lumps or sores in the genitals, mouth or throat. These lesions or warts can vary in size or shape, and may be raised or flat. They can appear years after the infection, so it’s important to continue monitoring for signs even if you are not currently sexually active.

Should I get the HPV vaccine?

Because HPV is a virus, it can’t be treated with antibiotics, though prescription medications are available. The best way to avoid the complications of the virus is to prevent becoming infected in the first place.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs strongly encourage young women to get the HPV vaccine, which the CDC recommends for all children and women ages 11 to 26. Depending on the age when the vaccine is given, the series may include two or three doses. Both boys and girls should receive two doses of the vaccine six to 12 months apart, starting around the age of 11 or 12.

Another way to prevent infection is to use condoms every time you have sex, although condoms are not 100% effective at preventing transmission through skin-to-skin contact. The risk is also lower when you have just one sexual partner who is not having sex with anyone else. If either partner has symptoms, such as genital warts, you should stop having sex and see your OBGYN for treatment right away.

Annual well-woman exams can prevent complications of HPV

At your well-woman visit, your OBGYN will visually assess your vulva and surrounding area for any signs of genital warts or sores. Additionally, an annual Pap test may be performed to check your cervix for signs of infection or cancer cells. A Pap test is a routine screening for all women ages 21 to 65 because when caught early, cancer can be stopped before it becomes life-threatening.