HPV Treatment
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a large family of viruses that cause warts on the skin and mucosal areas, especially in the genital region. With over 100 different types, some strains of HPV are harmless, while others can lead to sexually transmitted infections and even serious health problems like cervical cancer.
How is HPV Transmitted?
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but it can also spread through skin-to-skin contact without intercourse. The virus enters the body through micro-abrasions in the skin. Additionally, it can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. The widespread nature of HPV highlights how easily it can be transmitted.
What are the Symptoms of HPV?
The symptoms of an HPV infection vary depending on the virus type. Some individuals may not show any symptoms, while others might develop warts on the skin or in the genital area. High-risk HPV strains typically do not present with any symptoms and can lead to serious health issues, such as cervical cancer, over time.
How to Protect Against HPV?
The most effective way to protect against HPV is by getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing certain cancers and genital warts caused by the virus, especially when administered at a young age. Additionally, using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners are recommended methods for preventing sexually transmitted infections. You can check our HPV Vaccine page for more information.
How is HPV Diagnosed?
HPV is often diagnosed in women through routine Pap smear tests, which can detect abnormal cellular changes in the cervix. An HPV DNA test may also be used to identify high-risk strains of the virus. In men, HPV is typically diagnosed when visible warts appear, as there is no routine screening test for men.
HPV Treatment in Istanbul
There is no direct treatment for HPV itself, but the health issues caused by the virus can be managed. Warts can be treated through various methods such as topical treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), laser, or surgical removal. Abnormal cellular changes caused by high-risk HPV strains can be treated with early intervention to prevent the development of cancer.
In Istanbul, we provide professional HPV treatment. Treatment options and methods vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the infection. If you have concerns about HPV, feel free to reach out to us.
Conditions Related to HPV
In some cases, HPV may not cause any problems. However, in some individuals, certain types of HPV can lead to:
- Genital warts
- Abnormal cellular changes that may sometimes develop into cancer
- High-risk HPV strains that are linked to certain cancers
Cancers associated with high-risk HPV include:
- Cervical cancer
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Certain types of head and neck cancers
Due to these risks, HPV treatment is essential.
Factors That Hinder HPV Treatment
Several factors can hinder the treatment of HPV, including:
- A weakened immune system
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Smoking
- Frequent recurrence of genital diseases
- Stress-related trauma
- Sleep deprivation and fatigue
- Pregnancy
- Deficiency of folate and beta-carotene
For more information on the Colposcopy procedure following a positive HPV test, you can read our dedicated article.