Is There a Cure for HPV?

Question: Is There a Cure for HPV?

HPV is a virus that affects more than 20 million Americans.

Answer: There currently is no cure for HPV. However, the virus frequently goes away on its own without any treatment, and without causing any problems. In some cases, though, it can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. Because HPV does not normally produce symptoms, most people are unaware that they have HPV.

The types of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer can be managed, not cured. Genital warts can be treated by removing them, however it does not "cure" the patient.

High risk types of HPV known to cause cervical cancer can be detected and managed through routine Pap smears in women. A Pap smear can detect abnormal changes in the cervix caused by HPV long before they become cancerous.



_References:

1. Centers for Disease and Prevention."Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines 2006." Sep 2006. Accessed 7 Nov 2006.
   
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet". May 2004. Accessed 7 Nov 2006.