In women, genital warts are most often seen on the vulva and labia, but may also occur around the anus, in the vagina, or on the cervix. Low-risk HPV strains may also lead to some lesions around the cervix, but generally speaking will not lead to cancerous cell development.
Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods or after sexual intercourse. Irregular menstrual cycles. Fatigue. Weight loss or loss of appetite. Back, leg, or pelvic pain. A single swollen leg. Vaginal discomfort. Odorous discharge from the vagina.
On exposed areas, such as the vulva or around the anus, swipe a flat palm over the area to check for lumps that may indicate genital warts. If you believe you have been exposed to HPV at any point, alert both your OB-GYN and your general practitioner, and ask them to screen you for any potential cancers associated with HPV.
Non-sexually transmitted HPV usually enters your body through skin-to-skin contact, entering through cuts or abrasions on the skin, and will manifest as warts around the area of infection Sexually transmitted HPV enters the body through direct genital contact, or from skin-to-genital contact. HPV infections around the mouth or in the upper respiratory system may also occur from oral sex. These may manifest as warts, or may have no symptoms. Only a test from your doctor can properly diagnose sexually-transmitted HPV.
About 40 types of HPV are transmitted by direct contact with a mucus membrane, such as those around the genital area. These types are the most likely to be spread through sexual contact. High-risk HPV viruses are those that are sexually transmitted and are at a higher risk for developing into a serious health risk, such as cancer. High-risk HPV strains include HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, and a couple other strains. The strains responsible for most cervical cancer development are 16 and 18, which are screened for most commonly since they cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Medical testing is necessary to see if you have high-risk HPV. Low-risk HPV strains include HPV 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 53, 54, 61, 72, 73, and 81. HPV 6 and 11 are the most common forms of low-risk HPV, and are the HPV strains most commonly associated with genital warts. Rarely do low-risk strains lead to cancer, so they are not part of routine screening.
Aligning with a risk factor does not mean that a woman has or does not have HPV. It is simply an indicator that she is more likely to be exposed.
Pap tests are recommended every three years for women under the age of 65 whose previous Paps have come back normal. If you receive an irregular Pap result, your doctor will advise you on a good testing schedule.
HPV tests are generally only recommended for women age 30 or over, and thus a doctor may not recommend one for younger patients. HPV is common in young women, and most strains are cleared up by a healthy immune system before any symptoms or complications can occur. Subsequently, your doctor may recommend another screening method, such as a Pap test, to see if there is any need for concern or further testing. At this point, HPV tests have only been effectively developed for women. Thus, a woman cannot ask a male partner to get screened for HPV in order to assess their risk.
Genital warts often go away on their own, and depending upon your specific symptoms your doctor may recommend careful monitoring and no further treatment. If your doctor does recommend treatment, they may opt for topical treatments or freezing the warts. Ask your doctor if your treatment can be applied at home, or if it must be done by a medical professional. If you receive treatment for genital warts, ask your doctor, “What should I do to prevent infection in this area and minimize risk of future warts?”[9] X Research source
Inspect the wrapper for any cuts, holes, or punctures, and look for the expiration date. Do not use an expired condom or one that appears to be damaged. Carefully open the wrapper to ensure that the latex of the condom does not tear. Remove the condom and pinch the tip before rolling down the shaft of the penis. While still pinching the tip of the condom with one hand, line the condom up with the head of the penis and use your other other hand to roll the condom down the shaft of the penis to its base. Dispose of a used condom by tying off the open end and placing in a waste receptacle.
The vaccine is ideally administered before a girl or woman becomes sexually active, but may still benefit sexually active young women. HPV vaccines are generally given as a course of three shots over six months.
Take the time to discuss your sexual history before you begin having sex with a new partner. Do not be afraid to ask them specific questions such as, “Have you noticed any symptoms that may be related to HPV such as warts?” and, “How many sexual partners have you had?” Do respect a person’s decision to not share information with you if they do not want to, but also understand that you are under no obligation to have sex with anyone and may choose to not engage in intercourse if you cannot get the information you need to feel comfortable consenting.
