Question: Is there a cure for HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus that affects both men and women. It is estimated that over 20 million Americans are infected with HPV. Because HPV rarely produces symptoms, most people are unaware that they have HPV.
Answer: Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for HPV. The good news 90% of people with a healthy immune system will clear the virus, without medical treatment, within two years of becoming infected. Smokers or those with suppressed immune systems may need to wait longer. HPV usually resolves itself without causing any adverse health problems.
However, for some individuals, HPV can lead to genital warts and cervical abnormalities. When left untreated, these abnormal cervical changes can develop into cervical cancer.
Centers for Disease and Prevention."Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines 2006." Sep 2006. Accessed 2 Oct 2007.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet". May 2004. Accessed 2 Oct 2007.
Although genital warts cannot be cured, they can be managed. Treatment can be given to remove genital warts, but they can return. In that case, additional treatment would be required for removal.
Management of abnormal cervical changes in women is done through routine Pap smears, colposcopy exams, and treatment, if necessary. Again, for most women, these changes will not develop into cancer. Still, careful monitoring is essential to watch for any progressive abnormal changes.
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