Even though Pap smears may seem like an annoyance, they’re critical to ensuring your vaginal health is in good order. Read on to learn more about why keeping a regular Pap smear schedule is important.
Whether you’re a sexually active individual or not, you’ve probably heard of human papillomavirus (HPV). With nearly 14 million new cases of HPV popping up each year in America alone, there’s good reason to be concerned about it.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with HPV, which in some cases can cause certain types of cancers, it’s important to know that there are ways to treat it. Daniel Kushner, MD, is proud to provide his patients with the answers they need to understand HPV and the best treatment options available.
HPV is a viral sexually transmitted disease that spreads from person to person through sexual skin-to-skin contact. It can also be transmitted during childbirth, causing genital and respiratory infections in your infant. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, with most men and women being exposed to it at some point in their lifetime.
There are many different strains of HPV. Most of these strains resolve on their own within a two-year time period, thanks to your immune system. However, if they don’t go away and your symptoms remain, Dr. Kushner can provide expert treatment to combat your symptoms and protect your health.
Some types of HPV can cause warts to form in your throat and genital areas, while other strains of HPV are cancer-causing.
HPV does not have a cure, but there are treatment methods to relieve symptoms. Treatments vary and are completely dependent upon the strain of HPV you have. Some treatments include:
LEEP is a treatment that uses a special wire loop to destroy harmful, abnormal cells in your cervix. It’s typically prescribed after a Pap smear has confirmed abnormal cell changes.
Cryosurgery is a procedure that harnesses cold temperatures to freeze and destroy abnormal cells found in your cervix.
Laser therapy is performed using a powerful laser that removes warts and abnormal cells.
Electrocautery uses an electric current to burn warts away.
Taking certain types of medication and prescription cream can help to eliminate warts arising from HPV. It’s important to note that you should never use over-the-counter wart treatments on your genital areas. See Dr. Kushner for a prescription for a cream that can safely address your HPV symptoms.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with HPV and want to learn more about your available treatment options, call our office today or schedule an appointment online for a consultation with Dr. Kushner at either our White Plains or Queens, New York, location.
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