• Infections
• Vaginal Changes
• Vaginal Discharge
• STDs
• Sexual Health

Is There a Link Between HPV and Abnormal Discharge?

Medically reviewed and edited by Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In fact, it is so common that almost everyone who is sexually active will contract a form of HPV at some point in their life if they are unvaccinated.

Research shows that 40% of people aged between 15 and 59 who have sexual contact with a partner may have HPV.

There are over 100 different forms of HPV and about 30 of these can affect your genitals.

These strains of HPV are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are spread through skin-to-skin contact or through the exchange of bodily fluids.

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Is Abnormal Discharge a Warning Sign of HPV?

HPV infections can sometimes cause abnormal vaginal discharge that can be thin, watery, and bloody.

However, this may not be a sign of HPV because this virus doesn’t always cause symptoms.

If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation.

There are many other conditions that can cause abnormal discharge, including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other STIs like chlamydia.

Your healthcare provider can perform tests to help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.

What are the other signs and symptoms of HPV?

Most people with HPV don’t experience any symptoms and the infection will often resolve on its own without causing long-term health problems.

However, in some cases HPV will cause genital warts to develop on the genitals and anus. Some strains of HPV can also cause certain types of cancer to develop.

In fact, The International Agency for Research on Cancer found that 13 types of HPV can cause advanced cervical cancer in women and anal cancer in men.

Although cancer-causing HPV strains also rarely cause symptoms, you may experience the following:

• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Anal bleeding and pain

• Chronic pelvic pain

It’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have HPV.

Early detection and treatment are key for preventing long-term health complications like cancer.

How is HPV Typically Treated?

Although there is no known cure for HPV, there are various treatment options available for visible warts and abnormal cell growths on the cervix caused by the virus.

One of these treatment options is cryosurgery where warts are frozen or abnormal cells are destroyed using liquid nitrogen.

Another potential treatment is a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). With this treatment, a special wire loop is used to remove warts or abnormal cells from your cervix.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Getting HPV?

The best thing that you can do to protect yourself against a genital HPV infection is by getting the vaccine even before you become sexually active.

Another method that could help prevent HPV is practicing safe sex through the use of condoms.

If you do have HPV, you should let your partners know so that they can get tested as soon as possible.

Although it might not prevent HPV, regular Pap smears that screen for cancer caused by some strains of the virus are recommended routinely from the age of 21.

Should I Get Vaccinated Against HPV?

The CDC recommends that all preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 should get vaccinated against HPV.

Gardasil9® is the HPV vaccine that’s available in the U.S. and it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people between the ages of 9 and 45.

If you were not vaccinated at a younger age, the recommendation is that you get the vaccine before the age of 27.

Where Can I Learn More About HPV and Other STDs?

If you’d like sound medical advice on HPV or any other sexually transmitted disease (STD), LifeMD’s online portal has exactly what you’re looking for.

Sign up today and enjoy all the benefits of consulting with a board-certified doctor, from the comfort of your own home.

Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

Theresa is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Human Nutrition and a Doctorate in Nursing from Columbia University. Theresa has treated hospitalized patients and helped patients manage chronic and acute conditions.

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