Symptoms of HPV

Genital warts are easily recognizable small lumps. They can vary in size from practically invisible to several centimeters wide and they come in various different shapes. It can be difficult to tell if a lump on the skin of your genitals is a wart, therefore it is a good idea to get it checked by your local doctor or a sexual health clinic in your area.

Sometimes HPV can just remain in the skin and be invisible and it is often impossible to tell how long someone may have had the virus or when they first caught it. The first time a woman may discover having a HPV infection is when it shows up in the results of a pap smear or biopsy. For men there is no test for those who do not have visible warts.

Consequences of having the Human Papilloma Virus?

The Human Papilloma Virus is usually regarded as a nuisance rather than a serious infection.

However some types of HPV have been linked with abnormal cell changes on the cervix, vulva, penis or anus. However, only a few of types of these viruses are strongly associated with cancer. This association seems to act together with other factors, like, for example, smoking increases the risk of developing precancerous changes.

Visible genital warts are less likely to lead to cell changes that precede cancer. The types of HPV that are linked to abnormal cell changes usually cause sub-clinical infections.

Sex therapy and Relationship Counselling is available in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) -  Melbourne, Victoria (VIC) -  Adalaide, South Australia (SA) -  Perth, Western Australia (WA) - Darwin, Northern Territories (NT) -  Hobart, Tasmania (TAS) - Brisbane, Queensland (QLD) - Canberra, Australian Capital territory (ACT)