Content
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by the human papillomavirus, which affects women who have had intimate contact without using a condom with someone who had the virus.
After the person is infected with the HPV virus, small warts form like a ridge and they can itch, especially in the intimate region, but it is also possible that they appear in the mouth, affecting the throat or the tongue.
Because it is a viral infection, there is no medicine that can lead to a cure, and so the treatment is done with the aim of removing the warts with specific ointments or laser sessions, although it is possible to prevent infection by using vaccines. thus reducing the woman's discomfort.
HPV symptoms
Most women do not show any symptoms of HPV, because the warts characteristic of this infection can take 2 months to 2 years to appear, however the contamination of intimate partners continues even if there are no signs of the infection.
When HPV symptoms are present, they can be reported:
- Warts of various sizes on the vulva, large or small lips, vaginal wall, cervix or anus;
- Burning at the site of the warts;
- Itching in the private parts;
- Warts on the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth or throat;
- Scoreboard formation by small united warts.
Thus, if there is a suspicion of HPV, it is recommended to seek a gynecologist, so that the warts can be removed, because when this condition is not treated it can favor the appearance of cancer of the mouth and cervix.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of HPV can be made through clinical-visual examination in the entire vaginal region, however, in some cases, when the warts are very small, tests such as colposcopy and the application of acetic acid may be necessary to be able to visualize the warts, in addition to blood test. Check out other tests that can be used to identify HPV.
When HPV warts are located on the cervix, it is not possible to perform the clinical-visual examination and in these cases the diagnosis will be made by the Pap smear performed by the gynecologist.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for HPV consists of removing warts using specific ointments, such as imiquimod and podofilox, for example, according to the gynecologist's recommendation, for a period of between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the size of the warts and the extent of the lesions.
However, for some women, after medical evaluation, treatment by cauterization, laser or scalpel may be indicated, in which the warts will be removed one by one. See how this procedure is done.
Because it is a virus, the treatment of HPV aims to only reduce warts and discomfort for women, so for the virus to be eliminated from the body, the gynecologist who accompanies the case can indicate the use of medicines to strengthen the system immune as interferon, in addition to the use of vitamin supplements.
HPV vaccine
To prevent HPV infection, the Unified Health System (SUS) provides the vaccine for girls up to 14 years old and for those who have had an organ transplant or live with HIV. Check out how the HPV vaccine works.
See in a simple way how to identify, how is the transmission and how to treat HPV by watching the following video: