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Bumps or swellings around the vulva
Lump or bump on the penis
Lump in the space between the genitals and anus
Hemorrhoids
Lumps, boils or abscesses in the genital area
Lump(s) on my penis
Mass in the perineum
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
Often referred to as genital warts, this sexually transmitted infection is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and presents as small skin coloured bumps in the groin or perianal area. HPV is very common in women and men who have ever had sex - four out of five people will have HPV at some point in their lives, and most won't even know it.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Effective vaccines for teens exist now that significantly decrease infection risk from HPV. Creams, or simple procedures such as cryotherapy can be performed to remove the wart. Laser treatments are available for more extensive cases. However, they can recur throughout life, and risk factors for increased recurrence and severity include immunosuppression, and increased numbers of different sexual partners. Shaving should be avoided as it can cause severe spread of the lesions due to trauma to the skin. It is crucial to abstain from sex until the wart is completely treated as HPV can cause cervical and anal cancer in sexual partners.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
What is HPV? The Medical Reality & Your Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
HPV is a very common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact; most infections clear on their own, but some types cause genital warts and a few high-risk types can lead to cancer, which is largely preventable with vaccination and regular screening. Your medically approved next steps include staying current with Pap and HPV screening if you have a cervix, considering vaccination if eligible, practicing safer sex, and seeking care for unusual symptoms; there are several factors to consider, and important details that could change your plan are explained below.
References:
* Xia C, Lu Y, Sun B. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Epidemiology, pathogenicity, prevention and management. Int Immunopharmacol. 2023 Sep 21;124(Pt B):110821. PMID: 37625515.
* Lei J, Ploner A, Elfström KM, Eklund C, Wright JD, Szulkin R, Dillner J. HPV vaccination: current status and future directions. Vaccine. 2023 Mar 20;41(13):2205-2213. PMID: 36774136.
* Markowitz LE, Naleway AL, Weinmann S, Saraiya M. Update on Human Papillomavirus-Related Diseases and Vaccines for the Internist. Ann Intern Med. 2020 Apr 7;172(7):501-509. PMID: 32092283.
* O'Brien PM, Brindley D, Davies C, Brindley L, Jenkinson C. Human papillomavirus: current and future perspectives. J Cell Physiol. 2021 Jul;236(7):4818-4835. PMID: 33730303.
* Kumar M, Singh R, Singh S, Sharma S, Singh S, Kumari R. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: A review. Mol Biol Rep. 2020 Sep;47(9):7163-7175. PMID: 32626915.
Q.
Is It Genital Warts? Why Your Skin Is Reacting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider, so see below to understand more: genital warts are common, treatable growths from low risk HPV that often appear as small flesh colored or cauliflower like bumps, but other conditions can look similar. Below you will find medically approved next steps on diagnosis, proven treatments and recurrence, when to seek urgent care, safer sex and partner guidance including avoiding sex until evaluated, vaccination, and what to do now such as not self treating and scheduling an appointment.
References:
* Workowski KA, Erbelding EJ, Bachmann LH, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Anogenital Warts in Adults: A Clinical Guideline From the American Academy of Dermatology. JAMA. 2022 Sep 13;328(10):974-984.
* Perrin S, Saraux A, Smail A, et al. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Anogenital Warts: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Viruses. 2023 May 10;15(5):1135.
* Lacey CJN, Woodhall SC, Wikström A, et al. European guidelines for the management of anogenital warts. Int J STD AIDS. 2019 Jul;30(8):725-736.
* Srivastava D, Devaraj N, Jain A, et al. An Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Anogenital Warts. Curr Treat Options Infect Dis. 2018;10(4):460-469.
* Zeng X, Chen K, Tan S, et al. Human papillomavirus: current and future implications for the management of genital warts. Future Med Chem. 2017 Jul;9(11):1283-1296.
Q.
Worried About HPV? Why Your Body Can Clear It + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Most HPV infections clear on their own within 1 to 2 years, but a small number persist and can cause cell changes that raise cancer risk over time. Medically approved next steps include keeping up with Pap and HPV testing, treating visible warts if present, considering the HPV vaccine up to age 45, supporting your immune system, and knowing when to seek prompt care for concerning symptoms. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more.
References:
* Doorbar, J. (2016). Molecular biology of human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer. *The Lancet Oncology*, *17*(2), e88–e99. DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(15)00470-3. PMID: 26868661.
* Peramunage, D., Buckley, D., & Saville, M. (2023). Cervical cancer screening: updates and considerations in the era of primary HPV testing. *Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology*, *35*(5), 416–422. DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000908. PMID: 37722744.
* Chew, R., Abu-Saifan, L., Sullivan, A., & Cuthbert, L. (2023). Updated Recommendations for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Adolescents and Young Adults. *Pediatrics*, *152*(1), e2023062322. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-062322. PMID: 37300300.
* Mueller, B. R., Van Slyke, M., Newfield, S., Kulkarni, V., Pintabona, C., & Hoke, S. (2017). Natural history of high-risk human papillomavirus infections in young women: a systematic review. *Epidemiology and Infection*, *145*(13), 2707–2723. DOI: 10.1017/S095026881700140X. PMID: 28699665.
* Khan, A. I., Hashmi, K. M., Fatima, F., Mehmet, A., Tariq, M., & Aslam, N. (2023). Human papillomavirus (HPV): A comprehensive review of the current epidemiology, prevention, and management strategies. *Future Oncology*, *19*(26), 2097–2111. DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0186. PMID: 37703080.
Q.
The Silent Shadow? Why HPV Lingers & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
HPV can linger silently without symptoms, yet most infections clear within about two years; when it persists, immune health, the HPV type, age, and reinfection often explain why, and persistence alone does not mean cancer. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Medically approved next steps include staying current on screening, considering HPV vaccination, treating warts if present, practicing safer sex, and supporting immune health, with red flag symptoms and age specific screening guidance detailed below.
References:
* Bedell S, West R, Bedell C, Pineda M. Human Papillomavirus Persistence and Progression to Cancer: An Overview. Viruses. 2021 Sep 23;13(10):1904. doi: 10.3390/v13101904. PMID: 34696420; PMCID: PMC8472591.
* Cuenzo F, Lencinas R, Picco N, De Andrea CE, Salcedo M, Dal Lago M, Sanchez G, Colado R, Lopez-Franco F, Londoño M. Immune evasion mechanisms of human papillomavirus. Front Immunol. 2022 Feb 16;13:836413. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836413. PMID: 35242203; PMCID: PMC8900010.
* Doorbar J, Bravo IG, de Villiers EM, Moreau F, vehicular G, et al. The HPV life cycle and its implications for persistence. Viruses. 2021 Oct 21;13(10):2125. doi: 10.3390/v13102125. PMID: 34696502; PMCID: PMC8540679.
* Li T, Zhu X, Li C. Current and emerging therapeutic approaches for high-risk human papillomavirus infection. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Sep 13;14:1229718. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1229718. PMID: 37771746; PMCID: PMC10505187.
* Tatti S, Balderas-Peña LM, Garcia-Castillo V, Montalvo-Esquivel I, Gualberto D, Barboza-Méndez E. Management of persistent HPV infection: a review of current guidelines and future directions. J Clin Med. 2023 Apr 28;12(9):3226. doi: 10.3390/jcm12093226. PMID: 37176465; PMCID: PMC10179929.
Q.
HPV in Your 30s & 40s: Essential Symptoms & Your Next Steps
A.
HPV in your 30s and 40s is common, often clears on its own, and is frequently symptom free; key signs include genital warts, abnormal Pap or HPV test results, and red flags like unusual bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, anal bleeding, or ongoing throat symptoms. There are several factors to consider for next steps, including staying current with screening, following up positive results with repeat testing or colposcopy, considering vaccination up to age 45, and risk reduction; see below for important details that can guide your care choices.
References:
* Cai Q, Luo C, Ma T, Liu R. HPV infection in women aged over 30 years: prevalence and risk factors. J Med Virol. 2021 Jul;93(7):4712-4719. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26978. Epub 2021 Apr 22. PMID: 33818789.
* Fan Y, Wang S, Cui J, Sun P, Wang S, Li J. Persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus in older women: A comprehensive review. Front Oncol. 2023 Feb 15;13:1091590. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1091590. PMID: 36873528; PMCID: PMC9976378.
* Mboumba Bouassa RS, Ntsame-Ndongo JA, Meye JF. Human papillomavirus infection in women and its implication in the development of cervical cancer: a comprehensive review. BMC Womens Health. 2021 Jul 20;21(1):257. doi: 10.1186/s12905-021-01402-1. PMID: 34284824; PMCID: PMC8290370.
* Lim YK, Tan JK, Khaw SL, Sivalingam N, Ng P. Update on Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines: A Review of the Current Recommendations. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2021;10(2):43-52. doi: 10.12970/jcgo.2021.10.2.43. PMID: 35146059; PMCID: PMC8822915.
* Kim SY, Lee J. Updates on the Management of HPV-Positive Women: A Review of the Recent Guidelines. J Womens Med. 2023 Dec 19;16(4):119-126. doi: 10.33068/jwm.2023.16.4.119. PMID: 38114402; PMCID: PMC10738012.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Sindhuja T, Bhari N, Gupta S. Asian guidelines for condyloma acuminatum. J Infect Chemother. 2022 Jul;28(7):845-852. doi: 10.1016/j.jiac.2022.03.004. Epub 2022 Mar 25. PMID: 35341674.
https://www.jiac-j.com/article/S1341-321X(22)00079-4/fulltextBroomall EM, Reynolds SM, Jacobson RM. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and recent advances in vaccination against human papillomavirus. Postgrad Med. 2010 Mar;122(2):121-9. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2010.03.2129. PMID: 20203463.