The following list includes common questions on HPV, genital warts, cervical cancer, treatments, vaccines, etc. Click on the question to see the answer.
1. How did I get genital warts?
2. What is HPV?
3. Can HPV be treated?
4. How dangerous is HPV? How is it related to cervical cancer?
5. Is HPV dangerous during pregnancy?
6. What are these reddish bumps?
7. Should I inform my partner?
8. How can my immune system fight HPV?
9. Is abstinence necessary?
10. Is there a cure for HPV?
11. Is there a test for HPV?
12. Is there an HPV vaccine?
13. Does Gardasil Prevent Cancer?
14. Does Gardasil Protect against All HPV Infections?
15. Will Gardasil Keep Boys from Getting Anal Cancer?

Q: How did I get genital warts? My doctor diagnosed me with HPV genital warts two days ago and it is eating me up. My initial reaction was that I had a virus and that usually means trouble. How did I get it? Could I have gotten HPV from kissing? Oral sex? Now I'm really worried! What are first outbreaks generally like? How long do they last and how often do they reoccur? I've looked up HPV online and have read a lot of conflicting information.

A: It's true that on the internet you can find a variety of answers and you're never quite sure who or what to believe. Most often, government or publicly funded websites have the most conclusive and accurate HPV information. That being said, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing states that:

"Genital HPV is spread through genital skin contact during sexual activity. As viruses are microscopic, HPV can pass through tiny breaks in the skin. HPV is not spread in blood or other body fluids. While condoms are an important barrier to many sexually transmitted infections, they offer limited protection against HPV as they do not cover all of the genital skin.

Because the virus can be hidden in a person's cells for months or years, having a diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean that you, or your partner, have been unfaithful. For most people it is probably impossible to determine when and from whom HPV was contracted."

Genital warts may appear or disappear at different times. Even if genital warts are just appearing now on your skin, your body may have been carrying the HPV virus for a long time.

For some people, only a few warts appear, while in others more severe viral reactions may occur. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing explains that "HPV is a very common virus, with four out of five people having it at some stage of their lives". They also state that "Genital HPV is so common that it could be considered a normal part of being a sexually active person."

Nonetheless, with genital wart removal treatment and strengthening your immune system against future viral infection, genital warts can disappear - but there is no guarantee that the genital warts won't reappear.

The HPV virus remains in your body forever. However, if you want to help your immune system fight the virus, then there are a number of alternatives such as general herbal remedies that strengthen the immune system, or more targeted natural dietary supplements, such as Novirin, which can boost the immune system against the latent human papillomavirus (HPV).

Q: What is HPV? What is a virus? Are viruses different from bacteria?

A: A human papilloma virus (HPV) is a member of the papilloma virus family of viruses that is capable of infecting humans. While the majority of the nearly 200 known types of HPV cause no symptoms in most people, some types can cause warts, while others can - in a minority of cases - lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus in women or cancers of the anus and penis in men.

More than 30 to 40 types of HPV are typically transmitted through sexual contact and infect the sexual organs. Some sexually transmitted HPV types may cause genital warts.

A virus is the smallest and most stripped down form of life. It includes only a set of genes, called viral DNA (or RNA), and a shell to protect these genes. Viruses don't have proteins, or cells, only genes and a shell. Bacteria, on the other hand, are cellular organisms. Bacteria have cells. When a virus enters a human cell, the viral DNA enters the nucleus, where it starts to manufacture its proteins. Viruses are the ultimate parasites. They can't replicate outside a living organism. Many regard viruses outside cells as inanimate objects, that is, non-living objects. In contrast, bacteria can live in any hospitable environment, such as water, soil, etc. Also, while we have a great weapon against bacteria called antibiotics, we have no such weapon against viruses.

Q: Can HPV be treated? I was diagnosed with HPV last month. My gynecologist said it was quite common but I'm worried. Can I have a regular sex life now without infecting my boyfriend?

A: If you choose to be sexually active, condoms may lower the risk of HPV. To be most effective, they should be used with every sex act, from start to finish. Condoms may also lower the risk of developing HPV-related diseases, such as genital warts and cervical cancer. However, HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, such as the base of the penis - so condoms may not completely protect against HPV.

You can lower your chances of getting HPV by being in a faithful relationship with one partner and choosing a partner who has had no or few prior sex partners. But even people with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV. In reality, it may not be possible to determine if a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected. The only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.

We also propose that you and your partner take Novirin. The natural formula was designed to boost the immune system against the latent HPV virus that already resides in your body. It can also boost your partner's immune system against the latent HPV.

Q: How dangerous is HPV? How is it related to cervical cancer? My gynecologist says I should have a Colposcopy exam to make sure the HPV virus I contracted is not cancerous. This sounds pretty scary. What are the risks to my health?

A: If HPV is left untreated, it may be harmful to your health - especially for women. According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing:

"A few of the many types of HPV have been linked with causing abnormalities of the cervix and in some cases the development of cancer of the cervix.

... It is important to remember that most women who have HPV clear the virus naturally and do not go on to develop cervical cancer.

... In a small number of women, the HPV stays in the cells of the cervix. When the infection is not cleared, there is an increased risk of developing abnormalities. In very rare cases, these abnormalities of the cervix can progress to cancer. When cervical cancer develops, HPV is found in almost all cases. Having regular Pap smears is the best way to ensure that any changes are monitored and managed to protect your health.

... If you have early cell changes due to HPV, there is a strong likelihood that these changes will clear up naturally in 8 to 14 months. Because of this, and the fact that cancer of the cervix takes around 10 years to develop, your doctor may recommend simply having another Pap smear in 12 months time."

If you want to help your immune system maintain a low concentration of the latent HPV virus, you might want to consider a dietary supplement such as Novirin.

Q: Is HPV dangerous during pregnancy? I'm 30 years old. I am three months pregnant. I remember that about 10 years ago I was diagnosed with HPV after a few warts appeared on my vulva. When the warts went away, I no longer worried about them. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm worried all over again, and this time about my unborn child. What are the health risks to my unborn child?

A: Thus far, no link has been found between HPV and miscarriage, premature delivery, or other pregnancy complications.

Women who have HPV during pregnancy may worry that the HPV virus may harm their unborn child. However, in most cases, the human papilloma virus does not affect the developing baby. Nor does HPV infection usually change the way a woman is cared for during pregnancy. It is important, however, that your obstetrician know about your HPV infection.

Due to the fact that you're pregnant, a Pap test should be taken at the first prenatal visit. If it shows abnormalities, the doctor will order more tests.

Additional tests could include an HPV test. Cells are collected from the cervix and analyzed in the laboratory to detect the high-risk types of HPV associated with cancer. Your doctor may also decide to do a colposcopy, in which a lighted device is used to closely examine the cervix for abnormal tissue changes.

However, keep in mind that there are over 100 different types of HPV that may harm the body. There are also some that affect the genitals. Genital HPV is similar to the virus which causes warts on other parts of the body.

Q: What are these reddish bumps? I recently noticed a few reddish bumps on the tip of my penis. Does anyone know if it's HPV or..??? What treatments are available?

A: If you would like to see pictures of HPV warts to compare to your "reddish bumps," type the keyword "HPV genital warts pictures" into Google Images. We also suggest that you consult with your doctor. He'll probably run some tests and let you know what you have. Finally, you can become more knowledgeable by visiting online forums and other informative websites. A list of website links is available at the bottom of this page.

With genital wart removal treatment, genital warts can disappear almost immediately. However, the HPV virus remains in your body forever so strengthening your immune system against the human papilloma virus (HPV) should be your first priority. Novirin, a natural dietary supplement, is especially designed to boosts the immune system against the latent HPV, and other latent viruses.

Q: Should I inform my partner? I had genital warts last year and had them frozen off. Now I'm in a loving relationship. Should I let her know?

A: There is no reason for you to be ashamed or concerned about telling your partner about your genital wart history. It is quite common. According to the Center for Disease control and Prevention, "at least 50% of sexually active people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives".

Also the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing states that "because the virus can be hidden in a person's cells for months or years, having a diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean that you or your partner has been unfaithful. For most people it is probably impossible to determine when and from whom HPV was contracted."

We also propose that you and your parter take Novirin. It was deigned to boost the immune system against the latent HPV virus that already resides in your body. It can also boost the immune system of your partner against the latent HPV virus.

Q: How can my immune system fight HPV? I just got a call from my doctor telling me I have HPV. My doctor says I need to strengthen my immune system by eating more fruits and vegetables, and HPV will go away on its own. Is that all? Are there any medications I should take? Home remedies? Herbal or antiviral supplements? How can I build up my immunity to better fight off genital warts?

There are different ways to boost your immune system. Most experts will agree that more exercise, fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep and refraining from nicotine and alcohol will help your body combat viruses. Added to that, you can learn more about herbal remedies, antiviral supplements and homeopathic solutions to see if they suit you.

You may also consider trying Novirin, an natural dietary supplement designed to strengthen your system's immunity against latent viruses.

Q: Is abstinence necessary? My boyfriend and I both have HPV. We don't know who gave it to whom, and we don't really care. However, we still want to get rid of them somehow. Our doctor told us we have to be abstinent for at least 2 years. Isn't there anything else we could do?

A: Your doctor was giving you the most full-proof advice. First of all, you should find out what kind of HPV you have and how serious your case is, as compared to your boyfriend. Even though you both have HPV your boyfriend should still use a condom. Also, depending on the HPV strain you may be able to get vaccinated or, in the case of genital warts, reduce their frequency.

Also keep in mind that genital warts can be removed surgically, with chemical treatment, or with painless electric current - but HPV remains in your system forever. That being said, there are natural ways of dealing with genital warts and HPV. By strengthening your immune system, you can assist your body in fighting HPV. Novirin is a natural dietary supplement that can boost the immune system against the latent human papilloma virus (HPV).

Q: Is there a cure for HPV? I just got my genital warts removed from my penis by freezing. Does that mean as soon as my warts clear that I am cured? I am not stuck with this virus forever, right?? I have a new girl friend and I'd like to know if it's important to tell her. My doctor says after 6 months without warts I can say I am cured. But I heard that for some people the warts never go way. Is this true? How do I know if I'm cured?

A: You may have read a variety of answers through internet or other research. It's true that once your immune system strengthens and you've removed the genital warts, you can feel confident that the warts won't reappear.

Here is what the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has to offer:

"There is no cure or treatment for HPV. It will, in most cases, be cleared up by your immune system. Consult your doctor or health practitioner if you are concerned about genital warts because of their appearance, or if they are causing you discomfort. There are a range of treatment options for warts."

You might simply ask yourself, would I want to know if my partner has or has had any sexually transmitted diseases? Naturally, the answer is yes. Therefore, it's advisable to be honest and open with him. There's nothing to be ashamed of, HPV is quite common and treatment is readily available.

Q: Is there a test for HPV?

A: There is a good deal of information regarding HPV testing and why it's ordered.

The following is from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry at www.labtestsonline.org:

"Traditionally, genital HPV infection has been detected as abnormal cell changes on a Pap smear, a test used primarily to detect cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb) or conditions that may lead to cancer. During a Pap smear, cervical cells are evaluated under a microscope. "Low-grade" changes to the cells on a Pap smear may indicate an HPV infection.

DNA testing for HPV has gained widespread acceptance as an additional cervical cancer screening tool and as follow-up to abnormal changes detected with a Pap smear. There are now several such DNA HPV tests, some of which have been approved for marketing by the FDA, that can detect either the majority of the high-risk types of HPV or specific subtypes, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18."

The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 18 and all sexually active women have a Pap smear yearly to screen for cancer or situations that may develop into cancer. In women over 21, when results indicate abnormal changes that may be due to a high-risk type of HPV, then DNA HPV testing may be ordered as a follow-up test."

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released guidelines in August 2003 recommending that women 30 years or older be offered an HPV DNA test in addition to their Pap smear and pelvic exam. If the HPV DNA test and Pap smear are negative and the woman does not have an underlying health condition, such as HIV or immunosuppression, then the guidelines suggest that she may wait three years before having another Pap smear and HPV DNA test. Patients who are positive for high-risk HPV, have abnormal cell changes on their Pap smear, or have underlying medical conditions should be screened more frequently, with the frequency to be determined by the patient and her doctor on an individual basis."

Some doctors will test men who fall into a high-risk category. Men who have sex with men and those who have HIV may be tested for HPV. Evaluating the risk of HPV-related diseases of the anal canal in men is becoming more common."

For the most up-to-date HPV testing information consult your physician or gynecologist.

Q: Is there an HPV vaccine?

A: Here is useful information regarding vaccination from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): "HPV vaccines ("shots") are available for males and females to protect against the types of HPV that most commonly cause health problems."

... Two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. One of these vaccines (Gardasil) also protects against most genital warts. Both vaccines are recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years old, who did not get any or all of the three recommended doses when they were younger. These vaccines can also be given to girls beginning at age 9. It is recommended that females get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible."

... One available vaccine (Gardasil) protects males against most genital warts. This vaccine is available for boys and men, 9 through 26 years of age."

... The best way a person can be sure to get the most benefit from HPV vaccination is to complete all three doses before beginning sexual activity."

Q: Does Gardasil Prevent Cancer?

A: Actually, not necessarily.

The end point of all the efficacy studies for Gardasil was not the prevention of cancer. Researchers couldn't actually assess the development of cervical cancer following the vaccine because this process normally takes 20 to 40 years and their studies stopped after just five.

Instead, Merck's scientists decided that the presence of atypical cervical cells was a valid "surrogate end point," or substitute for cancer. They used this hypothesis despite the fact that there is no evidence that the types of cervical lesions they chose as their end point would eventually lead to cancer. [1]

Merck has never acknowledged that their entire premise for the efficacy of Gardasil rests on pure speculation. In fact, many if not most atypical cervical cells resolve on their own without intervention. [2]

References:

[1] Rothman SM and Rothman DJ, Marketing HPV Vaccine: Implications for Adolescent Health and Medical Professionalism, JAMA 2009, 302(7); 781-786.

[2] Tomljenovic L and Shaw CA, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Policy and Evidence-Based Medicine: Are They at Odds? Annals of Medicine December 22, 2011, http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/07853890.2011.645353

Q: Does Gardasil Protect against All HPV Infections?

A: Not at all.

Gardasil is designed to prevent only 4 HPV strains: 16 and 18, which can cause cervical cancer, and 6 and 11, which can cause genital warts. However, there are 150 other types of HPVs, at least 15 of which can cause cancer, and Gardasil provides no protection against these other strains. [1][2]

Gardasil's protection is incredibly limited.

References:

[1] Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer, National Cancer Institute, September 7, 2011, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV/print

[2] Haug CJ, Human Papillomavirus Vaccination - Reasons for Caution, New England Journal of Medicine, August 21, 2008

Q: Will Gardasil Keep Boys from Getting Anal Cancer?

A: There's not enough evidence. Merck's study of HPV vaccine efficacy in males published in the New England Journal of Medicine states that Gardasil is 89% effective against genital warts and 75% effective against anal cancer.

Given the fact that there are approximately 300 annual deaths from of anal/rectal cancer among men in the United States, one wonders how Merck was able to prove such a huge reduction in such a rare problem.

As with the female group, external lesions substituted for actual cancer with no proof that lesions of that type actually lead to cancer at all. Yet, Merck's statistics regarding their cancer substitute penile/perianal/perineal intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) listed in their appendix to the article show that in men who did not have HPV prior to vaccination, both the vaccinated group and the placebo group had the same number of these types of lesions, making the observed efficacy of Gardasil minus 98%!

And for HPV strain 18-related genital lesions, there were actually more lesions in the vaccinated group than the placebo group. So as in the previous study, Merck's impressive numbers for the efficacy of Gardasil in men can only be attained by excluding one-quarter of the study participants. When everyone is included and all outcomes are assessed, the efficacy drops to zero! [1]

Reference:

[1] Lenzer J, Should Boys be Given the HPV Vaccine? The Science is Weaker than the Marketing, Discover Magazine, November 14, 2011