How would I find out if I have HPV and what can I do about it?

Q: I am a 40-year-old male. How would I find out if I have HPV and what can I do about it?

A: HPV stands for human papilloma virus. It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can cause genital warts, but sometimes has no obvious symptoms. Many people with HPV do not know it -- which is why it is spreading like wildfire.

In women, certain types of HPV increase the risk of cervical cancer. HPV is not particularly dangerous in men, but it is important to find out if you have it. First, so that you do not spread it to female sexual partners and potentially raise their risk of cervical cancer. Second, so you do not perpetuate the uncontrolled transmission of this disease. Third, if you have HPV, there is a greater likelihood that you were exposed to other, more serious diseases. You may also be more susceptible to the AIDS virus if you have HPV.

If you had visible genital warts, you would probably have seen a doctor by now. But if there is even a remote possibility that you have been exposed to HPV, you should get tested for that as well as other STDs. Call your doctor or, if you want more anonymity, your local public health clinic.

Nancy Snyderman, M.D., F.A.C.S

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