Human papillomavirus (HPV) is often asymptomatic, meaning that many people who have it don’t experience noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they usually involve anal-genital area warts.
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Still, though, it’s vital to take HPV seriously. You can pass that HPV on to others during that period, and in some cases, HPV can lead to cancer.
The great way to know whether you have HPV is to test for it. Currently, no approved tests exist to detect HPV in people with penises — but if you have a vagina, you can have a diagnostic test.
The symptoms can differ based on the area HPV affects.
Oral HPV symptoms can include:
- hoarseness
- sore throat
- persistent cough
- mouth or throat lesions
- swollen glands in your throat
Genital and anal HPV usually presents as warts, which can be:
- small bumps or clusters of bumps
- raised or flat
- cauliflower-shaped
- skin-colored or white
Sometimes, these warts cause itchiness, discomfort, and bleeding in the area.
Depending on your HPV type, warts can appear on various body parts. Genital warts are the most common, but warts can also occur on your hands, feet, and other areas.
Because many issues can cause bumps in your genital area — from herpes and cysts to ingrown hairs and pimples — getting a diagnosis from a healthcare professional is crucial. They can help you determine the cause of your bumps and how to treat them.
Experts categorize HPV strains into low and high risk types based on their potential to cause cancer.
Low risk strains can cause warts but don’t usually link with cancer. High risk strains link to a higher chance of developing cancers, such as cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.
In the early stages, though, low and high risk HPV strains may produce no symptoms.
Diagnostic testing, such as an HPV DNA test, can help determine whether you have a high or low risk HPV strain.
Pap smears involve taking some cells from your cervix and examining them. If your doctor detects atypical cells, they may need follow-up tests to determine whether you have HPV (and, if so, whether it’s a high risk strain).
It’s important to note that an atypical Pap smear result doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer or can develop cancer. However, this early detection method can help you avoid developing cancer. Pap smears can also detect whether you already have cervical cancer.
If you think you have HPV, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of HPV.
Your clinician may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small skin sample from genital warts or sores. Experts can then examine the sample in a lab to determine whether you have HPV.
If you regularly have Pap smears, you may get screening for cervical HPV at the same time. It’s vital to check with a doctor, though, if you’re concerned about HPV.
Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, they may recommend specific tests for other areas. If warts or other lesions are present, a healthcare professional can examine them and may take a biopsy for further analysis.
HPV is a common virus that often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings and awareness crucial.
If you think you have HPV or notice symptoms like warts or unusual lesions, getting medical advice is essential. Early detection and monitoring can help reduce the risk of complications.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.