The Symptoms of HPV

HPV (human papilloma virus) is an STD that affects many people at some point in their adult years. The symptoms of HPV will vary from person to person but it’s important to be aware of what they are so you can protect yourself and those you are intimate with.

The majority of people have no HPV symptoms at all. The disease affects the mucous membranes and therefore is normally undetectable in that sense.

There may be HPV symptoms present though, including:

* Genital warts. Warts in the pubic or anal areas can be an indicator of HPV. They can appear as just one wart or several that are found close together. You may also find a wart on your upper thigh and think nothing of it. That can be a warning sign of HPV and shouldn’t be discounted.

* The most profound of the HPV symptoms relates to women. If a woman has an abnormal result in her annual Pap smear, this may signal that HPV is present.

* A positive result on a DNA HPV test. This is a relatively new test that can be given to women at the same time they have their Pap smear taken. A doctor will usually order it if he or she believes the woman has HPV or there is a concern over the possibility of cervical cancer developing. It is also advisable if a routine Pap smear has garnered a result that suggests an abnormality. The positive result is considered one of the most important HPV symptoms.

In most cases of HPV, in both men and women, the disease clears itself up. This means that a person without symptoms can be infected, and become well again, while being oblivious to the whole thing.

If you do find warts in the area of your genitals or your upper thighs it’s wise to consult with a physician. The warts should be considered one of the HPV symptoms and in the case of women, it’s especially important to be aware of this because of the associated health risks in terms of cervical cancer.

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