HPV symptoms in women depend on the location and severity of the infection. Most HPV cases are asymptomatic, meaning you won't have any noticeable signs or symptoms. For those who do experience symptoms, they may include:
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Genital warts (a lump or group of lumps in the genital area)
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Cervical dysplasia (the presence of abnormal precancerous cells in the cervix)
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Cervical cancer (the presence of cancerous cells in the cervix)
It's important to keep in mind that one strain of HPV causes all types of warts on the body. In most cases, the body can fight it off. However, if you have a strain of HPV that causes genital warts or is present on the cervix, there could be complications in the future.
If you want to know some warning signs and what to do to detect it early, read on.
What are we talking about when we talk about HPV in women?
Specifically, there are no symptoms of HPV in women. Human papillomaviruses do not present any visible symptoms or signs, but there are some (high-risk) HPV genotypes that can have long incubation periods. During this time, they produce abnormal changes within the cells of the cervix and can lead to cervical cancer, cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, mouth, or throat.
Late detection of cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide; in Mexico alone, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths after breast cancer.
HPV symptoms in women and cancer
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Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer.
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One of the main risk factors for cervical cancer—vaginal, vulvar, anal, oral, or throat—is being a carrier of high-risk HPV genotypes.
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Human papillomavirus infections do not produce symptoms; however, the genotypes that can cause cervical cancer can develop silently, over a period of 5 to 15 years.
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Although most cervical cancers are caused by HPV, we want to inform you that this genital infection, when detected and treated early, can prevent cancer from developing. Therefore, gynecologists recommend that all sexually active women undergo a combined annual Pap smear and colposcopy.
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Getting vaccinated against HPV is the best protection against the types of viruses that cause warts and/or related cancers.
Cervical cancer symptoms
Although cervical cancer is a preventable disease, it is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women worldwide. Ninety percent of the disease is associated with persistent or chronic infection with one or more high-risk HPV genotypes.
In its early stages, cervical cancer is asymptomatic. Some signs may include:
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Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse.
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Vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods.
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Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
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Watery and bloody vaginal discharge, sometimes profuse.
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Vaginal discharge with a foul odor.
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Pelvic pain.
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Pain during sexual intercourse.
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Genital warts.
Cervical cancer can spread to the vagina, lymph nodes, bladder, intestines, lungs, bones, and liver. It often presents problems until the cancer is advanced; these symptoms may include:
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Back pain
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Bone fractures or pain
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Fatigue
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Vaginal leakage or seepage of urine or feces
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Leg pain
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Loss of appetite
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Pelvic pain
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Swelling in one leg only
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Weight loss
HPV-associated cancers in women
Vulvar cancer: Causes chronic vulvar pain, itching, and swelling, which can be felt as a lump. It also causes changes in the color of the vulva and the thickness of the skin in this area of the body.
Oral cancer: HPV can cause cancer of the mouth and tongue. It can also cause oropharyngeal cancer. The oropharynx is the middle part of the throat, from the tonsils to the tip of the larynx. These HPV-related cancers are increasing in both men and women.
Throat cancer: One of the most common symptoms is persistent ear pain, sore throat, the appearance of a small lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and weight loss.
Anal cancer: This can cause bleeding, pain, itching, anal discharge, and changes in bowel habits.
Warts or condylomas
Low-risk HPVs do not produce symptoms; in the vast majority of cases, they are expelled by the immune system. However, they can also cause genital warts and/or lesions on the cervix
Genital warts:
In women, genital warts appear primarily on the vulva, near the anus, on the cervix, or in the vagina. They are small, flat lesions or cauliflower- or stalk-shaped bumps.
How do I know if I have HPV
All sexually active people are at risk for HPV infection. The symptoms are associated with the diseases it can cause, such as cervical cancer.
The only way to take care of yourself and those you love is to get your Pap smear and colposcopy every year. With these tests, your gynecologist can detect any signs of precancer and provide treatment to prevent its progression.
Looking for a gynecological checkup? At Reina Madre, we're always thinking about you. Let our HPV experts guide you to preserve what you value most: your health!