Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a virus that is very easily and commonly transmitted by sexual contact. There are many different strains or varieties of HPV. Certain strains of the virus are more virulent or dangerous than others. If you have been infected with a strain or strains of HPV virus, it may do one of three things:

• The virus may remain silent. This means that you will not have any symptoms of the virus, and may never know that you have been infected. However, it is still possible to transmit the virus to your sexual partner, who may or may not have symptoms.
  
• The virus may cause condylomata (genital warts). The warts may appear within a short time of becoming infected with the virus, or may appear at any later time in your life.
  
• The virus may cause changes in the cells of your cervix, which can lead to cancer of the cervix. These cell changes can occur within a short time of becoming infected with the virus, or may appear at any later time in your life. Therefore it is vital to have regular Pap Testing performed if you have ever been sexually active.

Risk Factors
Any person who has ever been sexually active is at risk for acquiring or carrying the Human Papilloma Virus. The virus can be transmitted to the genital area as well as the throat. The only way to limit transmission is to use condoms for all types of sexual activity.

Testing for the presence of HPV can be done with a viral culture. Testing is automatically performed if atypical cells are noted on the Pap test. HPV testing will also be performed upon request by any patient. A negative viral culture means that you are not currently shedding active virus. It does not mean that you have not been infected with HPV, and it does not guarantee that you will not infect future sexual partners. More information about HPV testing can be found at www.theHPVtest.com.

Treatment of HPV
There is no treatment that will eliminate the virus from your body. There is evidence that many people will spontaneously clear the virus from their body. Medical care is directed toward treatment of the abnormalities caused by the virus.

Treatment of Condylomata/Genital Warts
Genital warts can be removed by a variety of medical or surgical methods. Your treatment plan will be individualized based upon your specific needs.

Treatment of Abnormal Cells on the Cervix/Abnormal Pap Test
Abnormal Pap test results will be further evaluated by repeat Pap testing, or colposcopy with biopsies. Treatment will then be based upon results.