Can Laso MD diagnose HPV?

Absolutely, a Laso MD doctor can diagnose genital warts through a virtual appointment. During the consultation, the doctor may inquire about your sexual history and symptoms, enabling them to provide treatment options, prescribe medications, and more.

In certain instances, additional testing may be recommended to rule out other health complications. Learn more about how Laso MD doctors address genital warts here.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly, our healthcare professionals can issue online prescriptions during your consultation. Upon accepting the prescription, you can choose to retrieve it from any pharmacy or opt for complimentary doorstep delivery.

 

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) stands as the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection, comprising over 100 viral types. Among them, approximately 40 types impact the genital area, with some causing cancer and others leading to genital warts.

Many HPV strains resolve on their own without symptoms, contributing to a significant number of individuals unaware of their infection.

An estimated 75% of sexually active Canadians have encountered HPV at least once in their lives.

 

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Most individuals infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) remain asymptomatic due to the diverse nature of HPV strains, each identified by a specific number.

• HPV types 6 and 11 result in genital warts, considered a low-risk manifestation. While genital warts can be uncomfortable, they are generally harmless and can be treated similarly to warts on hands or feet. Importantly, HPV 6 and 11 do not lead to cancer. Seeking prompt medical attention is advised for untreated genital warts.
• In men, genital warts may appear on the penis, scrotum, or anus. In women, warts can develop on the cervix, vulva, vaginal walls, anus, and in the pubic area.
• High-risk HPV strains, notably 16 and 18, are associated with penile and anal cancer, as well as vulvar and throat cancer. Unfortunately, early-stage high-risk HPV often presents no symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular checkups and screenings.

If HPV progresses to cancer, symptoms emerge based on the cancer’s location, including penile, anal, throat, and cervical cancers.

• Symptoms of cervical cancer encompass abnormal or increased vaginal discharge, foul-smelling discharge, bleeding between periods, postmenopausal bleeding, prolonged or heavy periods, pain during sex, difficulty urinating or having bowel movements, pelvic or lower back pain, swelling in the legs, poor appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
• Penile cancer, affecting less than 1% of men with HPV, may manifest as a painful sore on the penis, thickened and discolored skin, foul-smelling discharge, reddish rash under the foreskin, ulcers or bleeding sores, swelling, and lumps under the groin.
• Anal cancer symptoms include rectal itching, pain, or bleeding, abnormal anal discharge, a feeling of fullness in the anus, a lump at the anus opening, changes in bowel habits, swollen lymph nodes near the groin or anus.
• Oral HPV typically remains asymptomatic but can lead to throat cancer if undetected. Symptoms may include changes in voice, sore throat, trouble swallowing, a lump in the throat or neck, white patches or sores in the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, bleeding in the nose or mouth, ear or jaw pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

 

How is HPV Spread?

In both men and women, HPV often goes unnoticed due to the absence of symptoms, facilitating its unknowing transmission. The virus can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual.

Certain factors, such as immunocompromised conditions, other STIs, smoking habits, multiple childbirths, oral contraceptive use, or engaging in anal sex, can elevate the risk of contracting various HPV-associated cancers.

Reducing the risk of HPV transmission involves using condoms, dental dams, and regular checkups to stay informed about one’s status.

 

What Causes HPV?

HPV is caused by a virus that enters the body through skin-to-skin contact, typically through a small cut or abrasion on the skin. Sexual activity is a common mode of transmission, emphasizing the importance of safer sex practices, including condom and dental dam usage.

How is HPV Diagnosed?

Doctors employ various tests to detect early signs of HPV-related cancers. In women, a Pap test is conducted, collecting cell samples from the cervix and vagina to identify abnormal cells indicative of high-risk HPV.

A DNA test can also confirm the presence of high-risk HPV in the cervix. Genital warts serve as visible indicators of HPV in both men and women.

For men, aside from the presence of genital warts, there is no definitive screening method for HPV prior to the onset of cancer symptoms.

 

How is HPV Treated?

Left untreated, certain HPV strains may progress to cancer. Vaccines like Gardasil, Gardasil 9 (for females and males), and Cervarix (for females) offer preventive measures, protecting against existing HPV strains and potential new ones.

In some cases, the immune system can naturally clear the body of HPV without medical intervention. If high-risk HPV leads to cancer, treatment plans depend on factors such as cancer type and individual health conditions.

Genital warts resulting from low-risk HPV offer several treatment options, including creams like Aldara or Zyclara, Condylox application by a doctor, Veregen specifically for external warts, trichloroacetic acid application, and removal methods like laser, surgery, cryotherapy, or electrocautery.

Difference Between HPV and Herpes: Both HPV and herpes are sexually transmitted viral infections.

Herpes typically manifests with visible symptoms like sores on the mouth or genitals, while HPV can often be asymptomatic. Importantly, HPV can lead to cancer, whereas herpes does not.

Seeking medical attention is crucial for both conditions.

 

What is Laso MD?

Laso MD offers rapid, convenient access to Canadian doctors through a healthcare app. Simply log in, request a consultation, and connect with a doctor via live chat or video within minutes. Laso MD doctors assess symptoms and provide necessary treatments, including prescriptions.