Medical experts recommend routine Pap Smears, which enable your doctor to detect cancerous cells and HPV viruses that may increase your risk of developing specific forms of cancer. Buckhead, Vinings, Smyrna, Roswell, Alpharetta, Midtown, Sandy S Abnormal pap smears and HPV tests may indicate cancerous or precancerous cells that need further investigation.
An overview of HPV
Human papillomavirus is a viral infection that leads to mucous membrane growth or abnormal skin growth. Some forms of HPV can result in common warts, while others can increase your risk of specific types of cancer. This disease is more prevalent in individuals who have several sexual partners. This disorder may not cause significant health issues in some cases, but the Ideal Gynecology, LLC team recommends visiting a certified medical practitioner to prevent future health complications. The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin or direct sexual contact like oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Many people are living with HPV without knowing, which means you can get it even if your partner is not displaying any symptoms. In rare cases, a mother can pass the infection to her child during delivery, which may cause the baby to develop recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Symptoms associated with HPV
In some cases, this infection may not result in any symptoms, but when they occur, you may notice warts in your genitalia. Warts may manifest months or even years after contracting the virus, but they are often harmless. If you have abnormal growths around your genital area, don’t hesitate to inform your doctor. Also, contact your healthcare provider if your child shows discomfort or pain or develops unsightly warts.
How your doctor diagnoses HPV
Your Ideal Gynecology LLC provider will typically diagnose genital warts without necessarily performing any tests. Some forms of HPV rarely cause symptoms, meaning that you may learn about their existence during an HPV test or a routine Pap smear. A Pap smear detects cervical cancer and precancerous cells that may become cancer if not treated. An HPV test, on the other hand, detects high-risk HPV strains that may increase your risk of cervical cancer. If you have abnormal Pap smear results, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy to view the abnormal cells better. They may remove the cells and send them to the lab for analysis. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) can identify abnormal cells, especially in geographical regions that don’t have access to HPV tests or Pap smears.
What to expect during the colposcopy
You will need to lie face up during your appointment, just as during a Pap test. Your provider will then insert a metal speculum into your vagina to keep your vaginal walls open for better visibility. The team then positions a colposcope near your vulva, looks through the device, and applies a vinegar solution to your vagina to highlight the abnormal cells. You may develop a tingling or burning sensation that disappears shortly. A week after your colposcopy, your doctor may advise against sexual intercourse, douching, heavy lifting, and using tampons. The team may prescribe ibuprofen medication to help with the cramping, but if you experience severe cramps, fever, or heavy bleeding, call your Ideal Gynecology LLC specialist.
For more information about the HPV virus, call the Ideal Gynecology, LLC office or book an appointment online.
