Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes about 43 million infections in the United States each year. HPV infections are especially common in older teens and people in their early 20s. There are over 100 different types of HPV, many of which don’t cause any symptoms.
Daniel S. Kushner, MD, is a skilled and compassionate OB/GYN with offices in Queens and White Plains, New York. Supported by his welcoming and experienced staff, Dr. Kushner offers testing, counseling, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.
Human papillomavirus is a common type of STI that can be spread by any type of sexual contact, including oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and anal sex. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and several types of cancers, including penile, vaginal, cervical, and anal cancer.
However, of the more than 100 types of HPV, few cause symptoms or health problems. Many people who have HPV don’t know it, and most infections actually go away without causing any issues. This also means that people can pass on the virus to others without being aware they’ve done so.
It can be scary and confusing to learn that you have an STI. You may not understand what it means, or you may be worried about how it might affect your health. Dr. Kushner provides the information and support you need, along with access to treatments if necessary.
In many cases, you may not need any treatment for your HPV infection. It’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to any changes that may indicate symptoms or problems. Getting regular HPV screenings allows you to know when the infection has cleared up.
Dr. Kushner may recommend testing to determine the strain(s) of HPV you have, in case it’s one of the types that can increase your chances of developing cancer. If you’ve developed warts, Dr. Kushner can discuss treatment options with you, including medication, laser removal, or electrosurgical removal.
It’s always important to protect yourself and your sexual partners from STIs by using barriers during sex to prevent their spread. Once you know you have HPV or another STI, it’s essential to be careful in order to prevent transmitting it to others.
To learn more about testing and treatment for HPV, call one of our offices to set up an appointment, or use our handy online booking system to find a date and time that work best for you.
