Management of Human Papillomavirus

Sometimes a person may be too scared or embarrassed to ask for information or help. But, keep in mind most STDs are easy to treat. Early treatment of STDs is important. The quicker you seek treatment, the less likely the STD will cause you severe harm. And the sooner you tell your sex partners about having an STD, the less likely they are to spread the disease to others (because they can get treated). Doctors, local health departments, and STD and family planning clinics have information about STDs. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) has free information and keeps lists of clinics and doctors who provide treatment for STDs. Call ASHA at (800) 227-8922. You can get information from the phone line without leaving your name.

If you have HPV:

• Get it treated right away. Studies suggest that having an STD increases your risk for getting infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

• Follow your health care provider's orders and finish all the medicine that you are given. Even if the symptoms go away, you still need to finish all of the medicine.

• Avoid having any sexual activity while you are being treated for HPV.

• Be sure to tell your sexual partners, so they can be tested.

• Remember that HPV is a life long disease. Even though you may have long periods with no symptoms, you can still pass the virus to another person. Talk with your health care provider (and see the above question) about what you can do to lower your risk for both recurrences of HPV, and for passing the virus to another person.