Aa
HPV/Genital warts
What is the difference between HPV and Genital Warts? I will like to know how long it takes for warts to appear because I have never had any symptoms. I was diagnosed with HPV over two years ago and my last PAP came back clear. The doctor said that I was fine, but I want to know how effective is a Pap smear and is there some type of procedure that I can take in order to test for Genital warts.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV), of which somewhere around 35-40 are sexually transmitted and primarily infect the genital area. Of those, 2 types of the virus, HPV-6 and HPV-11, cause over 90% of genital warts. The other types rarely cause warts. Most of the HPV strains that cause pap smear abnormalities are the non-wart-causing types.
There is no test for genital warts per se, but no need. Most people with HPV-6 or -11 develop visible warts, so if you haven't seen warts and your doctor hasn't found any, you can be pretty sure you had some other type of the virus.
Regardless of what HPV type you had, almost all infections clear up go away and do not cause future health problems. Since your pap has become normal, you can be pretty sure your HPV infection also is gone. Still, be sure you follow whatever advice your doctor gave you about repeat pap smears or other examinations in the future.
You will not catch the same strain of HPV again; once infected, most people are immune to new infection with the same type of HPV. However, you probably are susceptible to other types, and you should consider getting the HPV vaccine (trade name Gardasil). You probably have seen some of the TV and magazine ads about it. Gardasil is 100% effecttive in preventing 4 of the most common HPV types, including HPV-6 and -11 (i.e., it will protect you from future genital warts) and HPV-16 and -18, the types that cause 70% of cervical cancer. It is possible that your abnormal pap was caused by HPV-16 or -18, but you should get protected against the other three types. Talk to your doctor about it.
If you use the search link, you can find a large number of other discussions about these issues. Try looking for "HPV", "genital warts", "HPV vaccine", and "Gardasil".
I hope this helps. Regards-- HHH, MD
There is no test for genital warts per se, but no need. Most people with HPV-6 or -11 develop visible warts, so if you haven't seen warts and your doctor hasn't found any, you can be pretty sure you had some other type of the virus.
Regardless of what HPV type you had, almost all infections clear up go away and do not cause future health problems. Since your pap has become normal, you can be pretty sure your HPV infection also is gone. Still, be sure you follow whatever advice your doctor gave you about repeat pap smears or other examinations in the future.
You will not catch the same strain of HPV again; once infected, most people are immune to new infection with the same type of HPV. However, you probably are susceptible to other types, and you should consider getting the HPV vaccine (trade name Gardasil). You probably have seen some of the TV and magazine ads about it. Gardasil is 100% effecttive in preventing 4 of the most common HPV types, including HPV-6 and -11 (i.e., it will protect you from future genital warts) and HPV-16 and -18, the types that cause 70% of cervical cancer. It is possible that your abnormal pap was caused by HPV-16 or -18, but you should get protected against the other three types. Talk to your doctor about it.
If you use the search link, you can find a large number of other discussions about these issues. Try looking for "HPV", "genital warts", "HPV vaccine", and "Gardasil".
I hope this helps. Regards-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The "vinegar test" isn't quite quackery, but it comes close. Many things that turn white aren't warts, and some warts don't turn white. STD clinics and other knowledgeable providers never use such a test because of its unreliability.
So you may or may not have genital warts; there is no way for me to know. See your health care provider to learn if the bump is a wart or something else.
So you may or may not have genital warts; there is no way for me to know. See your health care provider to learn if the bump is a wart or something else.
About a week ago I developed a weird looking bump in my genital area and a friend told me to try the vinegar test. When I put vinegar on the bump it turned white. Does this mean that I have genital warts? I had never developed any warts in the past, if this is a wart it will be my first in almost 2 and a half years! Can my immune system fight off the problem?
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
