HPV
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What is HPV?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection. Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed to HPV, as it can be easily transmitted during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Condoms generally do not prevent transmission.
Sometimes, HPV can be cleared by the body without additional treatment, but there is no way to know for certain. HPV can stay in the body for many years and can cause conditions like anal dysplasia and cancer.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for HPV.
How Can HPV Be Prevented?
The HPV vaccine has been approved for men and women ages 9-45. The vaccine offers the greatest protection from HPV if you receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active.
The HPV vaccine can still be beneficial if given after someone is sexually active. It will not get rid of any existing HPV but can prevent infection if exposed to other HPV types.
What Are the Symptoms of HPV?
A person can have HPV and not have any symptoms. Some symptoms include:
- Warts on the hands or feet
- Warts on the penis, vagina or around the anus
- Abnormal cell changes called dysplasia
Who Has a Higher Risk of Developing HPV?
You may be at greater risk of having HPV if you:
- Have sex with multiple partners
- Don’t use condoms every time you have sex
- Miss regular cervical and anal pap smears
- Have genital warts
UR Medicine's Treatments for HPV
HPV can be diagnosed via cervical or anal pap smear or during a healthcare examination of dysplasia or warts.
The virus that causes HPV cannot be cured. If dysplasia or warts caused by HPV are found, they can be treated by infrared coagulation, freezing, chemicals, prescription medications or surgical excision.
What Sets Us Apart?
A diagnosis of HPV can be very concerning, and our UR Medicine providers are here to help address your questions and provide answers in a private, caring, and expert way.
Our team of experts specialize in what’s needed to treat patients with HPV. We coordinate care tailored to the needs of patients and families, in partnership with other providers. As part of an academic medical center, our clinicians are also active in research.
Locations
We serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.
1 location
Ambulatory Care Center at Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue, 2nd Floor
Rochester, NY 14642