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Cervical Cancer: What You Need To Know

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Family planning? Know your available contraception methods

Family planning? Know your available contraception methods

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Almost all women who are sexually active would have Googled contraception methods. Figuring out which method of contraception is the best for you and your partner can be frustrating. It isn’t spoken about freely and it can be difficult to find out what methods are available to you.  Below we’ve collected all the important information you need to know. We have also explored the pros and cons of each contraceptive method to help you compare your options easily. 

So, here we go.

Firstly, what is contraception?

Contraception, also known as birth control, is the use of artificial methods and techniques to prevent pregnancy.

Birth control – the different types 

There are 5 general types of birth control methods and each works in a different way. Some are temporary and some are more permanent. Some prevent the sperm from meeting the egg whilst some prevent the egg from releasing. Either way, the goal of all the contraception methods is to prevent unwanted and unplanned pregnancies.

It is also important to note that birth control and contraception is not the same as prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Condoms are the only method that prevents the spread and transmission of STI’s so it is advised that you combine the use of condoms with other types of contraception. 

1. Short-acting hormonal contraception

Short-acting hormonal contraception methods adjust the hormone level in the woman’s body making pregnancy much less likely to happen. Some of the commonly used short-acting hormonal contraception methods are the daily use birth control pill and the hormonal injection. Both of these methods require a prescription from your doctor. 

The birth control pill 

There are 2 types of birth control pills available: the progestin-only pill and the combination pill (which contain both progestin and estrogen). 

The hormones released by the pill prevent the release of the egg, the thickening of the uterus and the cervical muscle making it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus. By taking the pill at the same time every day, you maintain a steady level of the hormones in your body, making it a very effective form of pregnancy prevention. 

With perfect use, it’s over 99% effective.

control-pill

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Highly effective if taken regularly 
  • Doesn’t interfere with sexual activity 
  • Helps with heavy and painful periods

Cons

  • Mood swings, headaches and other similar physical side effects 
  • Effectiveness is time-sensitive, you have to take it regularly at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness
  • Does not protect against STIs

The Hormonal Shot

The hormonal injection is administered by the doctor every 1 or 3 months to the woman. Like the birth control pill, this too prevents the release of the egg and thickens the cervical muscle making it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus. 

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Highly effective if taken regularly 
  • Doesn’t interfere with sexual activity 
  • Helps with heavy and painful periods

Cons

  • Mood swings, headaches and other similar physical side effects 
  • Once off the shot, it may take up to a year for your menstruation to return to normalcy
  • Does not protect against STIs 

2. Long-term contraception 

This is a good option if you want lasting contraception with little maintenance. Available options include an implant inserted into your arm or an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted into your uterus. These methods are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. They’ll work for 3–10 years, depending on the particular method you choose. 

Implant

The doctor will place 1 or 2 silicone rods under the skin in the arm of the woman. The rods will release the hormone, progestogen into your bloodstream that prevents the release of egg into your uterus. The hormone also thickens the cervical muscle thus stopping the sperm from entering the uterus. Further, It thins the muscle of your womb making implantation of the egg less likely. 

Pros

  • The most effective type of contraception 
  • Long-term, can be kept for 3-5 years
  • Does not affect sexual activity 
  • Not time sensitive 
  • A good option for women who can’t take oestrogen pills

Cons

  • Requires medical attention to insert and remove
  • Does not protect against STIs
  • May have side effects such as headaches and breast tenderness
  • Your periods may be irregular or stop

Intrauterine Device (IUD) 

The IUD is a T-shaped copper device which is inserted into your womb by your doctor. There are 2 kinds of IUD you can get implanted, the hormonal IUD or the non-hormonal version. 

The hormonal version releases the hormone progestin, which prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. It also thins the uterine lining making implantation of the fertilised egg less likely and thickens the layer of mucus over the cervix to help block sperm from entering in the first place. 

The non-hormonal device releases copper ions which has similar effects to progestin. The ion immobilises the sperm making it difficult for them to swim to the egg. 

Pros

  • One of the most effective methods to prevent pregnancy 
  • Requires no effort from you 
  • Long term, can be kept in for 5-10 years
  • Does not affect sexual activity

Cons

  • Requires medical attention to insert and remove
  • Does not protect against STIs

3. Single use barrier contraception 

Male and female condoms, spermicides and cervical caps are all types of single use barrier contraceptives. As the name suggests, they act as a barrier between the sperm and the egg, preventing the sperm from fertilising the egg.

Condoms

Condoms are a sheath-shaped barrier device made of latex or polyurethane. The male condom is placed over the erect penis and when ejaculation occurs the semen is collected in the condom acting as a barrier preventing the sperm from entering the uterus. The female condom is inserted into the vagina preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms when used properly are the only form of contraception that effectively prevents pregnancy and STI transmissions. 

Pros

  • They are hormone-free
  • Protects against STIs
  • Has no effect with other medications 

Cons 

  • Interfere with sexual activity and pleasure 
  • Chances of tearing during sex 

Permanent contraception 

If you plan on never having kids you can opt for the permanent contraception methods of Tubal ligation (for women) or vasectomy (for men). They are both simple procedures and they’re almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. Recovery time from these procedures usually takes only a few days and have close to no impact on your sex drive and sexual functions. 

During a tubal ligation, both the fallopian tubes are blocked or cut off and during a vasectomy, surgery cuts are made in the vas deferens ( a tube that transports sperms) preventing the sperm from reaching the semen in the testes. Women will still continue to have their periods every month after tubal ligation and men after vasectomy,  will continue to release semen during ejaculation but it will not contain any sperm. 

Pros

  • Permanent contraception 
  • Does not affect sexual activity

Cons

  • Both surgeries are reversible but does not guaranty fertility 
  • Does not prevent STIs

Emergency contraception 

Emergency contraception can help you prevent pregnancy if you have unprotected sex or your birth control fails. There are 2 kinds of emergency contraception pills you can take in Sri Lanka. Please note that emergency pills should not be used as a substitute for contraception.  

Postinor-1 

Postinor One (morning after pill) is a single dose oral emergency contraceptive pill that should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. The sooner you take the pill, the higher the effectiveness. Postinor-1 has releases levonorgestrel which delays ovulation and in turn, reduces the chances of fertilisation occurring. Several studies claim that Postinor-1 has the potential to stop 85% of anticipated pregnancies. The tablet is safe to take and does not alter fertility. 

This pill does not have any abortive effect, so if you are already pregnant it will not impact it. 

Postinor-2 

Postinor-2 is a double dose pill. Both the tablets can be taken at once or separately with a 12-hour gap between each. It works the same as Postinor-1. 

It should be noted that the emergency pill will not cause abortion and should not be used as a contraceptive method.

Wondering what the best contraceptive method for you is?

Well, that depends on you and your goal. Speak to your partner and your doctor to decide on the most convenient and most suited method for you. Also, remember there is no 1 method that suits all. Feel free to experiment with each method till you find one that suits your liking. 

If you want more information or would like to speak to a Gynaecologist on the best form of contraception you do so via the oDoc app. 

Sources

  1. FPA Sri Lanka. (2017, January 6). Contraception | Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka. http://www.fpasrilanka.org/content/contraception
  2. Tesch, D. (2021, July 23). 5 types of birth control options: which is best for you? HealthPartners Blog. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/how-to-figure-out-which-type-of-birth-control-is-right-for-you/
  3. WebMD. (2016, November 18). FDA Explains Pros, Cons of Permanent Birth Control. https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/news/20161118/fda-explains-pros-cons-of-permanent-birth-control
  4. Vasectomy: Treatment & Information – Urology Care Foundation. (202–12-01). Urology Health. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/v/vasectomy
  5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Tubal Ligation. Retrieved August 3, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/tubal-ligation
  6. WHO. (2020, June 22). Family planning/contraception methods. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception
  7. NHS website. (2021, March 12). Contraceptive implant. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/contraceptive-implant/
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How to relieve menstrual cramps

How to relieve menstrual cramps

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Ladies, is it that time of the month? Are we feeling subtle cramps in our stomach, lower back pain, maybe some strange mood swings? Maybe we have to make a trip to the supermarket and buy our monthly stock of pads and tampons. We get it! Your period is here, which means those uncomfortable, painful cramps are here too. We’re here to help ease the burden by giving you some ways you can relieve the pain and discomfort.

What are menstrual cramps?

Period cramps, or dysmenorrhea, refers to the discomfort women feel in their abdomen, lower back and thighs during their menses. Cramping can vary in intensity from woman to woman. Some may feel a slight discomfort and others may feel more severe pains that can affect certain aspects of their life.

What are menstrual cramps?

Period cramps, or dysmenorrhea, refers to the discomfort women feel in their abdomen, lower back and thighs during their menses. Cramping can vary in intensity from woman to woman. Some may feel a slight discomfort and others may feel more severe pains that can affect certain aspects of their life.

Why do period cramps happen in the first place?

During your period, the uterus contracts to help shed its lining. Hormone-like substances (prostaglandins) trigger the contractions which causes pain and inflammation. Higher levels of prostaglandins can lead to more severe menstrual cramps.

Symptoms of menstrual cramps may include:

  • Cramping in the lower abdomen
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain radiating down the legs
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Fainting
  • Headaches

Symptoms of menstrual cramps may include:

  • Cramping in the lower abdomen
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain radiating down the legs
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Fainting
  • Headaches

What can you do to relieve the pain from cramps during your menses?

For mild and temporary cramps, some home remedies can provide comfort and relief.
Here are a few things for you to try:

Applying heat to your lower abdomen and lower back can relieve pain. If you don’t have a heating pad or hot water bottle, take a warm bath or use a hot towel.

Applying heat to your lower abdomen and lower back can relieve pain. If you don’t have a heating pad or hot water bottle, take a warm bath or use a hot towel.

Applying heat to your lower abdomen and lower back can relieve pain. If you don’t have a heating pad or hot water bottle, take a warm bath or use a hot towel.

Avoid foods that cause bloating such as fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine or salty foods. Instead have some tea with ginger or mint, hot water with lemon or strawberries

Avoid foods that cause bloating such as fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine or salty foods. Instead have some tea with ginger or mint, hot water with lemon or strawberries

Avoid foods that cause bloating such as fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine or salty foods. Instead have some tea with ginger or mint, hot water with lemon or strawberries

Maintain a consistent diet of minimally processed foods, fiber and plants. Try having more papaya, brown rice, walnuts, almonds, broccoli, fish, leafy green vegetables and flax seeds.

Maintain a consistent diet of minimally processed foods, fiber and plants. Try having more papaya, brown rice, walnuts, almonds, broccoli, fish, leafy green vegetables and flax seeds.

Maintain a consistent diet of minimally processed foods, fiber and plants. Try having more papaya, brown rice, walnuts, almonds, broccoli, fish, leafy green vegetables and flax seeds.

Drink more warm or hot water and eat water-based foods to increase your hydration such as cucumber, watermelon, lettuce and celery.

Drink more warm or hot water and eat water-based foods to increase your hydration such as cucumber, watermelon, lettuce and celery.

Drink more warm or hot water and eat water-based foods to increase your hydration such as cucumber, watermelon, lettuce and celery.

Exercise! Although the last thing we want to do during our menses is work out, exercise releases endorphins which relieves some menstrual cramp pain.

Exercise! Although the last thing we want to do during our menses is work out, exercise releases endorphins which relieves some menstrual cramp pain.

Exercise! Although the last thing we want to do during our menses is work out, exercise releases endorphins which relieves some menstrual cramp pain.

When to see a doctor:

  • If period cramps disrupt your life in some way every month
  • Your symptoms get progressively worse and you are in intense pain every month
  • If you started having severe menstrual cramps after the age of 25

You can speak to a VOG doctor by consulting an Obstetrician or Gynecologist on the oDoc app. GPs and Family Physicians are also available to consult.

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Sources

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cramp-remedies#see-a-doctor
  2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938

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PCOS – breaking the stereotype

PCOS - breaking the stereotype

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There is so much noise around women’s health. Specifically, PCOS and most of it seems to be scientifically incorrect. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, affecting one in four women of reproductive age, which is 25% of the entire female population, so it is only fair to bust the myths around it. Before we debunk the misconceptions, here’s a little about PCOS.

A little about PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects the way a woman’s ovary works. Women who suffer from PCOS either have an irregular period, excess production of male hormone or polycystic ovaries (where there are multiple cysts on the ovary). The excess androgen and cysyts in the ovaries prevent ovaries from releasing eggs every month. However, the exact cause of PCOS is still unknown.

Let’s go on and bust the myths around it because separating myth from fact can help you live a healthier life with PCOS. 

Myth #1: Having polycystic ovary syndrome means you have cysts in your ovaries

This is untrue. The name of the disorder is very misleading. If you have PCOS, it doesn’t mean you have cysts in your ovaries and having cysts in your ovaries doesn’t mean you have PCOS.

To be diagnosed with PCOS, you need to have at least 2 of the following symptoms:

Let’s go on and bust the myths around it because separating myth from fact can help you live a healthier life with PCOS. 

Myth #1: Having polycystic ovary syndrome means you have cysts in your ovaries

This is untrue. The name of the disorder is very misleading. If you have PCOS, it doesn’t mean you have cysts in your ovaries and having cysts in your ovaries doesn’t mean you have PCOS.

To be diagnosed with PCOS, you need to have at least 2 of the following symptoms:

Let’s go on and bust the myths around it because separating myth from fact can help you live a healthier life with PCOS. 

Myth #1: Having polycystic ovary syndrome means you have cysts in your ovaries

This is untrue. The name of the disorder is very misleading. If you have PCOS, it doesn’t mean you have cysts in your ovaries and having cysts in your ovaries doesn’t mean you have PCOS.

To be diagnosed with PCOS, you need to have at least 2 of the following symptoms:

Excess androgen – elevated male hormones levels may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism) and occasionally, severe acne and male-pattern baldness.

ஒழுங்கற்ற மாத விடாய் சுழற்சி – this is when you have less than nine periods a year with more than 35 days in between your periods. 

Multiple cysts in your ovaries – your ovaries can be enlarged with tiny follicles that trap the eggs, preventing them from being released every month, causing the ovaries not to function properly. 

So, having just cysts in your ovaries doesn’t necessarily mean you have PCOS. 

If you have any of the above symptoms and would like to get professional advice, you can consult a gynaecologist from the comfort of your home via oDoc.

Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant if you have PCOS

INCORRECT! YOU CAN GET PREGNANT EVEN IF YOU HAVE PCOS. 

PCOS is a common cause of  infertility due to the irregular release of eggs from the ovaries and the hormonal imbalance which interferes with fertilisation, BUT this isn’t the case for everyone. You can still get pregnant both naturally and after fertility treatment. Many medications can stimulate ovulation which is the leading cause of infertility. Women with PCOS who want to start a family can try different fertility treatments. Have a sit down with your gynaecologist to understand your body and treatment options better.

Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant if you have PCOS

INCORRECT! YOU CAN GET PREGNANT EVEN IF YOU HAVE PCOS.

PCOS is a common cause of  infertility due to the irregular release of eggs from the ovaries and the hormonal imbalance which interferes with fertilisation, 

BUT this isn’t the case for everyone. You can still get pregnant both naturally and after fertility treatment. Many medications can stimulate ovulation which is the leading cause of infertility. Women with PCOS who want to start a family can try different fertility treatments. Have a sit down with your gynaecologist to understand your body and treatment options better.

Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant if you have PCOS

INCORRECT! YOU CAN GET PREGNANT EVEN IF YOU HAVE PCOS. 

PCOS is a common cause of  infertility due to the irregular release of eggs from the ovaries and the hormonal imbalance which interferes with fertilisation, BUT this isn’t the case for everyone. You can still get pregnant both naturally and after fertility treatment. Many medications can stimulate ovulation which is the leading cause of infertility. Women with PCOS who want to start a family can try different fertility treatments. Have a sit down with your gynaecologist to understand your body and treatment options better.

Myth #3: You can only get PCOS if you are obese or overweight

Again, nope. This is not true. PCOS is more common in overweight women than lean women, and obesity can worsen the symptoms, but it can affect women of any body type and size.

One of the causes of PCOS is excess insulin in your body. This happens due to your cells forming a resistance to insulin which causes your blood sugar level to increase, and your body might produce more insulin to tackle it. Excess insulin causes more androgen to be produced, which causes difficulty with ovulation. 

The body’s inability to use insulin properly can lead to weight gain. That’s why getting into the habit of eating healthy and exercising regularly is recommended as part of most women’s treatment plan.

Myth #3: You can only get PCOS if you are obese or overweight

Again, nope. This is not true. PCOS is more common in overweight women than lean women, and obesity can worsen the symptoms, but it can affect women of any body type and size.

One of the causes of PCOS is excess insulin in your body. This happens due to your cells forming a resistance to insulin which causes your blood sugar level to increase, and your body might produce more insulin to tackle it. Excess insulin causes more androgen to be produced, which causes difficulty with ovulation. 

The body’s inability to use insulin properly can lead to weight gain. That’s why getting into the habit of eating healthy and exercising regularly is recommended as part of most women’s treatment plan.

Myth #3: You can only get PCOS if you are obese or overweight

Again, nope. This is not true. PCOS is more common in overweight women than lean women, and obesity can worsen the symptoms, but it can affect women of any body type and size.

One of the causes of PCOS is excess insulin in your body. This happens due to your cells forming a resistance to insulin which causes your blood sugar level to increase, and your body might produce more insulin to tackle it. Excess insulin causes more androgen to be produced, which causes difficulty with ovulation. 

The body’s inability to use insulin properly can lead to weight gain. That’s why getting into the habit of eating healthy and exercising regularly is recommended as part of most women’s treatment plan.

Myth 4: Losing weight is how you get rid of PCOS

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, so losing weight will not make PCOS go away, but it can help manage many of the symptoms. It is said that 10% reduction in body weight can reduce clinical symtoms by 80-90%. Losing weight will help with balancing the hormones. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, improve the way your body uses insulin and, therefore, regulates your hormone levels better, thus helping your symptoms.

Myth 4: Losing weight is how you get rid of PCOS

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, so losing weight will not make PCOS go away, but it can help manage many of the symptoms. It is said that 10% reduction in body weight can reduce clinical symtoms by 80-90%. Losing weight will help with balancing the hormones. 

Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, improve the way your body uses insulin and, therefore, regulates your hormone levels better, thus helping your symptoms.

Myth 4: Losing weight is how you get rid of PCOS

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, so losing weight will not make PCOS go away, but it can help manage many of the symptoms. It is said that 10% reduction in body weight can reduce clinical symtoms by 80-90%. Losing weight will help with balancing the hormones. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, improve the way your body uses insulin and, therefore, regulates your hormone levels better, thus helping your symptoms.

Myth 5: Women with PCOS do not need to use contraception

If you are not planning on getting pregnant, then you should always use contraception during sex. As mentioned above, ovulation is irregular when you have PCOS, so you never know when the egg will be released. So if you want to avoid unplanned pregnancies, always use a form of contraception.

Myth 5: Women with PCOS do not need to use contraception

If you are not planning on getting pregnant, then you should always use contraception during sex. As mentioned above, ovulation is irregular when you have PCOS, so you never know when the egg will be released. So if you want to avoid unplanned pregnancies, always use a form of contraception.

Myth 5: Women with PCOS do not need to use contraception

If you are not planning on getting pregnant, then you should always use contraception during sex. As mentioned above, ovulation is irregular when you have PCOS, so you never know when the egg will be released. So if you want to avoid unplanned pregnancies, always use a form of contraception.

Myth 6: Irregular periods = PCOS

No! Having PCOS may mean that you might have irregular periods but there are various other factors which can lead to irregular periods such as stress, extreme dieting and other endocrine disorders. Regular periods range between 3-7 days and occur every 21-35 days. Anything longer than this can be considered irregular. If you are experiencing irregular periods, speak to a doctor to get more information.

Myth 6: Irregular periods = PCOS

No! Having PCOS may mean that you might have irregular periods but there are various other factors which can lead to irregular periods such as stress, extreme dieting and other endocrine disorders. Regular periods range between 3-7 days and occur every 21-35 days. Anything longer than this can be considered irregular. If you are experiencing irregular periods, speak to a doctor to get more information.

Myth 6: Irregular periods = PCOS

No! Having PCOS may mean that you might have irregular periods but there are various other factors which can lead to irregular periods such as stress, extreme dieting and other endocrine disorders. Regular periods range between 3-7 days and occur every 21-35 days. Anything longer than this can be considered irregular. If you are experiencing irregular periods, speak to a doctor to get more information.

These are just a few of the misconceptions about PCOS. If you want more information or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog, please seek medical advice from an SLMC registered gynaecologist or GP via oDoc. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat PCOS. 

Checked by Dr. Haroon Thowfeek and Dr. Mohamed Rishard

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Source

  1. https://www.everydayhealth.com/pcos/myths-debunked/
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
  3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/#:~:text=Polycystic%20ovary%20syndrome%20(PCOS)%20is,not%20regularly%20release%20eggs%20(ovulation)
  4. https://www.hormone.org/-/media/hormone/files/infographics/myth_vs_fact_pcos_infographic.pdf
  5. https://theconversation.com/4-myths-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-and-why-theyre-wrong-131908

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Let’s Talk About HPV

hpv

Let’s Talk About HPV

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In Sri Lanka, sexual health is a topic rarely spoken about in the open. The taboo and social stigma surrounding this subject may inadvertently lead to sexually active Sri Lankans unaware of how to maintain a healthy sex life. Practicing safe sex is central to this as well as reducing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HPV.  

Perhaps you’ve heard about HPV but have been hesitant to ask about it with your loved ones or your doctor. Perhaps you’re sexually active and would like to know how to be safe with your partner, and having an understanding of HPV is one such way to do that.

Well, let’s talk about it!

What is HPV?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most sexually transmitted infections in the world today. There are more than 150 different strains of HPV. Depending on the type of strain, HPV can cause warts anywhere on the body. Warts appearing on your genitals is very common. Up to 80% of sexually active adults will get an HPV infection of the genital area at some point in their lives, although many who carry the virus don’t even know it. 

You don’t need to panic if you find a wart on your body since the vast majority of warts are benign and non-threatening but speaking to a VOG doctor will ease your concerns. For a small number of women, certain strains of HPV can cause changes in the cervix that can become cancerous if not treated.

How do you get HPV?

HPV is spread by direct skin contact through vaginal, anal and oral sex with a partner who already has a genital HPV infection. Non-genital HPV infections can occur through skin to skin contact, such as shaking the hand of someone who has a wart on their finger.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Symptoms of HPV, if they arise, typically appear in the form of a cauliflower-like growth called genital warts. They can also appear flat. Warts can be found around the vagina, anus, mouth and throat as well as the penis and groin. Symptoms usually take weeks or even months to develop after initial exposure. 

Non-genital warts can be found on the rest of the body, especially hands, face, neck, chest, and soles of feet. Some warts can be inside your body, therefore, impossible for you to notice. And in some cases, there might not be any symptoms at all.

How can your doctor diagnose HPV?

Your doctor can diagnose warts by examining the area. Most of the time, warts don’t need to be biopsied unless the doctor is concerned that the warts could be cancerous. A biopsy entails removing a small piece of tissue and examining under a microscope. 

If it’s possible that you have genital warts, your doctor will ask you about your sexual activity. 

  • For women, your VOG doctor will do a pelvic exam and pap smear. This includes removing cells from the cervix to test whether the cells are cancerous. An HPV test, which checks for the actual virus, can also be performed as well. 
  • For men, a physical exam can be performed. 

In the unlikely event that cancer is diagnosed, please speak to a doctor to further discuss the course of treatment.

How do you treat HPV?

Most warts can be treated at home with topical creams prescribed by the doctor. Other long-lasting methods of wart removal include:

  • Cryotherapy (freezing)
  • Cautery (burning)
  • Surgically removing the wart

In some cases, the wart may return. Therefore, you should take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of getting an HPV infection.

How do you prevent an HPV infection?

Taking preventative measures is of critical importance when it comes to reducing your risk of infection or further spread of the virus. 

Practicing safe sex can greatly reduce the likelihood of getting an infection. This includes maintaining a low number of partners as well as the consistent use of condoms. 

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all children to be vaccinated before they become sexually active to prevent infection of high-risk strains of HPV. 

For all the ladies out there, an important preventative measure that you can take is visiting your VOG doctor on an annual basis for your routine check up. Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to make sure everything is normal in your vagina, vulva, uterus, cervix, rectum, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Your VOG doctor might suggest performing a pap smear as well. Pap smears are important as it involves examining cells from the cervix under a microscope to identify any abnormal cervical changes such as precancerous cells. 

We hope you have a better understanding of HPVs now but if you have more questions or are concerned about other issues related to sexual health, you can get in touch with sexual health and VOG doctors on oDoc.

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