How To Prepare For HPV Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with HPV and want to learn how to prepare for HPV treatment, search no more. HPV ( Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people are infected with HPV and do not know it. There are more than forty types of HPV, and these can infect the genitals, mouth, and throat of males. Certain types of HPV cause genital warts. Some types of HPV can also cause cancer of the throat, tonsils, tongue, penis, and anus in men. HPV is transmitted via genital contact and oral sex. In most cases, HPV is fought off by the immune system  within two years of contracting the virus,without even knowing you had it. In other cases, when the body does not fight off HPV, genital warts and cancers can form. HPV is widespread because people are unaware they have the virus, unknowingly spreading it to others because symptoms may not show up for years.

1. Be prepared to answer questions.  Once in the office for HPV treatment, you may be asked some questions about your sexual partners. All information is kept confidential. You may be asked about when symptoms first became noticeable.
2. Depending on the type of treatment you have, you may experience some pain. If warts are being removed, the doctor can apply a topical numbing agent. Warts can be removed with the 'freezing' method, lasers, scalpels and with topical creams. Although topical cream agents may not be painful, it will take longer to remove the wart entirely. Many creams are available from your doctor that you can apply at home. Doctors usually recommend warts be removed because these warts can lead to cancer.
3. Be open to information from your doctor. Your doctor will explain to you how to help prevent transmission, and when or if to seek another wart removal treatment. Your doctor may talk to you about using a condom or sexual abstinence.

Warning:

• Wart removal does not mean HPV is gone.  When warts are removed, others can still contract HPV from you.