HPV Treatment
What Is HPV? How Is It Transmitted, Symptoms and Treatment
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a common group of viruses that can affect the skin and mucosal surfaces. According to the World Health Organization, HPV is a group that includes more than 200 viruses, and most HPV infections can be controlled by the immune system without causing a serious health problem (1).
While some types of HPV cause genital warts, some high-risk types are associated with cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and some head and neck cancers. In particular, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are among the high-risk types responsible for a significant proportion of HPV-related cancers (2).
“ HPV positivity does not mean cancer by itself. What matters is correctly evaluating the virus type, the cellular condition of the cervix, and the follow-up plan. ”
How Is HPV Transmitted?
HPV is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, as well as through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Full sexual intercourse is not always required for the virus to be transmitted. The CDC states that HPV is a very common infection that can be transmitted through close skin contact and sexual contact (3).
HPV transmission routes include:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact,
- Close skin-to-skin contact with the genital area,
- Contact with an area containing genital warts,
- Rarely, transmission from mother to baby during birth.
Because HPV infection is very common, it is possible for a person to encounter HPV at some point in life even if they have only one partner. The virus may sometimes remain in the body for years without causing symptoms. Therefore, HPV positivity does not always mean recent transmission.
What Are the Symptoms of HPV?
Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms. A person may carry the virus without noticing any warts, pain, discharge, or bleeding. WHO reports that most HPV infections can be controlled by the body on their own; however, if high-risk HPV types become persistent, they may lead to precancerous changes (1).
HPV symptoms may vary depending on the type of virus and the affected area:
- Genital Warts: Raised lesions may appear in the genital area, groin, around the anus, or rarely in the mouth and throat area.
- Asymptomatic Infection: High-risk HPV types usually do not cause warts and may only be detected through an HPV DNA test or smear test.
- Abnormal Smear Result: Cellular changes in the cervix may be detected with a Pap Smear test.
- Bleeding After Intercourse: Some patients may experience bleeding after intercourse due to HPV-related cervical changes; however, this symptom is not specific to HPV alone.
What Are the Types of HPV?
HPV types are generally classified as low-risk and high-risk types. Low-risk HPV types are usually associated with genital warts. High-risk HPV types may be associated with cervical cancer and some other types of cancer.
- Low-Risk HPV Types: Types such as HPV 6 and HPV 11 are responsible for a significant proportion of genital warts.
- High-Risk HPV Types: According to the National Cancer Institute, HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59 are among high-risk HPV types (2).
- HPV 16 and HPV 18: These are the most important high-risk types in HPV-related cancers, especially cervical cancer (2).
Which Diseases Can HPV Cause?
In most people, HPV may regress without causing any permanent health problems. However, persistent high-risk HPV infection may pose a risk for certain types of cancer. WHO states that persistent high-risk HPV infection is the cause of cervical cancer and is also associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, mouth-throat, penis, and anus (1).
Conditions that may develop due to HPV include:
- Genital warts,
- Cellular changes in the cervix,
- Precancerous cervical lesions such as CIN 1, CIN 2, and CIN 3,
- Cervical cancer,
- Vulvar and vaginal cancers,
- Anal cancer,
- Penile cancer,
- Some mouth, throat, and head and neck cancers.
How Is HPV Diagnosed?
In women, HPV diagnosis is mostly evaluated with HPV DNA testing and Pap Smear testing. While the Pap Smear test shows cellular changes in the cervix, the HPV DNA test investigates the presence of high-risk HPV types. The CDC emphasizes that cervical cancer is largely associated with HPV infection and that regular screening is important for early diagnosis (4).
Methods that can be used in HPV diagnosis include:
- HPV DNA Test: Investigates the presence of high-risk HPV types.
- Pap Smear Test: Evaluates abnormal cellular changes in the cervix.
- Colposcopy: Allows the cervix to be examined under magnification after HPV positivity or an abnormal smear result.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from suspicious areas for pathological examination.
- Clinical Examination: Genital warts can often be detected by appearance during examination.
What Are the Ways to Prevent HPV?
One of the most effective ways to prevent HPV is the HPV vaccine. The CDC states that the HPV vaccine can provide safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against HPV infections that most commonly cause cancer (5). The vaccine provides the highest protection when given before exposure to the virus; however, it may also be administered at older ages in suitable individuals after physician evaluation.
The main recommended ways to protect against HPV are:
- Getting the HPV vaccine,
- Having regular cervical cancer screening,
- Using condoms,
- Limiting the number of sexual partners,
- Getting evaluated if genital warts or suspicious lesions are present,
- Avoiding smoking, because smoking may increase the effects of HPV on the cervix.
Who Should Receive the HPV Vaccine?
According to ACOG, the HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys around the ages of 11-12; however, it can be administered starting at age 9. Vaccination may be recommended up to age 26 for unvaccinated individuals. Between the ages of 27 and 45, the decision is individualized according to the person’s risk status and physician evaluation (6).
The HPV vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection; however, it may help protect against vaccine-covered HPV types that the person has not yet encountered. Therefore, in people who are HPV positive, the vaccination decision may also be made after physician evaluation.
How Is HPV Treated?
There is no specific medication that directly clears HPV itself from the body. Treatment is planned according to the warts, cellular changes, or precancerous lesions caused by HPV. Most HPV infections can be controlled by the immune system over time; however, high-risk HPV positivity requires regular follow-up (1).
Treatment approaches that may be used for HPV-related problems include:
- Genital Wart Treatment: Cryotherapy, laser, electrocautery, surgical removal, or topical medications may be used.
- Abnormal Smear Result: Follow-up, colposcopy, or biopsy may be planned according to the HPV type and degree of cellular change.
- CIN Lesions: CIN 1 can often be monitored, while procedures such as LEEP or conization may be required for high-grade lesions such as CIN 2 or CIN 3.
- Regular Follow-Up: Follow-up may be performed with HPV DNA testing, smear testing, and colposcopy when necessary.
What Factors Affect HPV Treatment and Follow-Up?
The course of HPV infection may vary from person to person. The immune system, smoking, accompanying infections, and whether the high-risk HPV type is persistent may affect the follow-up plan.
Factors that may affect HPV persistence or the treatment process include:
- Weak immune system,
- Smoking,
- Uncontrolled chronic diseases,
- Recurrent genital infections,
- Long-term high-risk HPV positivity,
- Skipping regular smear and HPV follow-ups,
- Periods that affect immune and hormonal balance, such as pregnancy.
“ The goal of HPV follow-up is not only to know whether the virus is present; it is to detect cellular changes in the cervix on time and take the necessary precautions. ”
What Should Be Done If HPV Is Positive?
A positive HPV test is not a situation that requires panic. The first step is to evaluate whether the HPV type is high-risk and whether there are cellular changes in the smear result. Especially if HPV 16 or HPV 18 is positive, or if abnormal cells are detected in the smear test, colposcopy may be required.
The path to follow after HPV positivity is generally determined by the following information:
- Whether the HPV type is high-risk,
- HPV 16 or HPV 18 positivity,
- Whether the Pap Smear test is normal or abnormal,
- Previous smear and HPV test results,
- The patient’s age and immune status,
- Whether there is a suspicious appearance on the cervix during examination.
HPV Treatment in Istanbul
HPV treatment and follow-up in Istanbul are planned individually through steps such as determining the HPV type, smear testing, colposcopy, genital wart treatment, and biopsy when necessary. The main goal in HPV treatment is to correctly manage warts or cellular changes caused by the virus and to reduce the risk of cervical cancer through regular screening.
You can request an appointment and information via nazlikorkmaz.com to receive an evaluation about HPV, genital warts, abnormal smear results, or high-risk HPV positivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. HPV positivity is not a cancer diagnosis. The HPV type, smear result, and cellular condition of the cervix are evaluated together. If necessary, colposcopy and biopsy may be performed.
Most HPV infections can be controlled by the immune system over time. However, some high-risk HPV types may become persistent and require regular follow-up (1).
Yes. HPV can occur in both women and men. In men, it may be associated with genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, and some head and neck cancers (4).
The HPV vaccine does not treat an existing infection. However, it may provide protection against vaccine-covered HPV types that the person has not yet encountered. Therefore, the decision should be made together with a physician according to age and risk status.
HPV may cause genital warts within weeks or months in some people; in others, it may remain without symptoms for years. High-risk HPV types usually show no symptoms and are detected only through screening tests.
After an HPV diagnosis, decisions about sexual life should be evaluated according to personal risk, partner status, presence of warts, and the treatment process. Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, but they do not provide complete protection because HPV can also be transmitted through skin contact.
HPV Treatment Prices 2026
HPV treatment prices may vary depending on the procedures to be performed, such as HPV DNA testing, smear testing, colposcopy, biopsy, genital wart treatment, laser, or cryotherapy. The treatment plan is determined according to HPV type, whether warts are present, smear result, and cellular changes in the cervix.
The most accurate information about current HPV treatment prices for 2026 can be provided through a personal evaluation after examination. This is because each patient’s HPV type, follow-up requirement, and treatment need are different.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Human papillomavirus and cancer. (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). HPV and Cancer. (https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer)
- CDC. HPV Vaccine Information Statement. (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/downloads/hpv.pdf)
- CDC. Basic Information about HPV and Cancer. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic-information.html)
- CDC. HPV Vaccination. (https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/index.html)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Infection and Vaccination. (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hpv-vaccination)