Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
So, how do you know if you have HPV or cervical cancer? You should let your doctor know if
you see the following: Genital warts. ‘Genital warts appear as single or multiple bumps in
the genital areas of men and women. They can be present on the ***, ***, ***, ***,
and ***. Warts themselves are considered low risk, and generally won’t develop into
cervical cancer. Common skin warts. These may be found on the hands or soles of the
feet. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge that’s yellow in color, low back pain, discomfort
during sex and painful urination. Many times there are no symptoms at all for HPV and cervical
cancer. So it’s very important that women get screened routinely for both conditions
with a test called a Pap Smear, which is conducted in your doctor’s office. During a Pap smear,
your doctor will remove cells from the *** using a special swab. In order to do this,
a tool called a speculum will be inserted to hold the walls of the *** open so your
doctor can get a clear view of the ***. You’ll feel some uncomfortable pressure
while your doctor is removing the cells from your ***, but it only lasts a few seconds.
Your doctor may also perform a test to screen for the presence of HPV DNA. Ask your doctor
if you need to be screened for this. These tests are well worth it to know if you have
signs of something that should be treated. For the most accurate results, Pap Smears
should be performed 2 weeks after *** and at least 48 hours after sex. The American
Cancer Society recommends that all women begin having Pap smears when they become sexually
active. It really can’t be stressed enough just how important it is to have regular Pap
Smear exams. After the Pap smear, some gynecologists also
perform a colposcopy. This test checks for warts that can’t be seen during a pelvic
exam. Your doctor will flush a vinegar solution of acetic acid into the upper portion of your
***. That will cause any existing warts to whiten and stand out. If any abnormal cells
are detected, further tests may be necessary. These can include a biopsy, which is a surgical
procedure to test cells for cancer. Remember, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection
and right now, there is no way to detect HPV in men. So, men, it’s important to practice
safe sex and limit your *** partners.