Is There Treatment For HPV?

 " I've been told I have HPV and I wanted to know if there is any treatment for it?"

HPV is a virus that is acquired through sexual contact. There are over a hundred types of HPV. Some can cause visible condyloma (a growth resembling a wart) and other types infect cells internally. When the cells are infected internally, the virus can take over the cell & start causing tissue changes consistent with early signs of cancer. These early changes are called dysplasia, and are not cancer, but if left untreated can eventually become cancer.

Condyloma are seen on the labia majora and labia minora, mons pubis, vaginal opening and around the anus.  These can be treated with prescription solutions that can be applied at home. Many women choose to have them removed surgically using a CO2 laser. This is much quicker, less painful and works better when there are multiple condyloma in different areas.

When the HPV infection shows up on your pap smear, the virus cannot be seen as a visible lesion or a wart.  In this case, it has infected the cervical cells internally. When this happens, your OB/Gyn will call you to notify you of the abnormal pap test and the high risk HPV status.

At this point, further testing will be ordered. If your pap test is otherwise normal, but is positive for high risk HPV, it is ok to return to your doctor for paps every six months. If your pap test is positive for dysplasia (mild, moderate, or severe) then it is usually best to have a colposcopy done with a biopsy.

If this test returns from the pathologist showing no underlying cancer cells, then the next step would be to remove the infected tissue. This can be done in two ways: 1) If the biopsy and pap show only mild dysplasia, the tissue can be frozen off (cryotherapy), and a follow up pap done is in three months to make sure it has cleared and healed; 2) The other option is to perform a LEEP procedure, which is done by numbing the cervix with lidocaine and shaving off the abnormal tissue with small instruments that have wire loops on the ends . The tissue can then be sent to pathology for evaluation. If no cancer is seen, the patient can return in 3 months for a repeat pap and continued close survellence.

When these procedures are done, HPV can be completely removed, however there is always a chance of reinfection from the male partner. Many women worry because they have a misconception that HPV is in the blood and can circulate throughout their bodies, but in reality HPV can only infect the areas it comes in contact with.

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Will My Sex Drive Disappear When I Go Through Menopause?

Menopause can be an extremely difficult time for women as they begin experiencing so many physical and mental changes. There can be hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, weight gain, and mood changes which can affect relationships and a woman's self esteem. Sex drive will be affected due to a lack of confidence many women have about their appearance, and the worry that their partner will still desire them as they journey through these changes. Sex drive may also be diminished due to a decline in overall physical health or side effects caused by many medications.

Menopause is a time of extreme hormonal change and imbalances linked to the ovaries’ inability to maintain production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone as they did before. It is the complete loss of estrogen, the main female hormone that diminishes sexual desire and genital sensitivity. This lack of hormones can also cause vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse, which many women fear could mean an end to sexual intimacy with their partners. Testosterone, the male hormone, also plays a big role in vaginal lubrication and libido.

Many women choose to take some form of hormone therapy, if only for a few years, to help transition into this next stage of life. They find it can block weight gain by increasing metabolism, with a secondary benefit of increased energy levels and a return of outside interests (“libido for life”). A good diet and exercise is also important to maintain health and vitality during this stage.

About 70% of couples actually report an improvement in their intimacy levels and romance as they transition though their later years and menopause. They report that they no longer have the worries of a family to raise, and are much more comfortable with themselves and their partners sexually. This is good news.

Some reports suggest it is ovulation in our youthful years that increases sex drive in women, (all in the name of reproduction) Other studies are showing that decreasing estrogen plays only a small role in lowering sexual desire in later years.

We do know that intimacy seems to grow and become more important/deeper with age. So, there is hope for a healthy sex drive for our entire lives. Let's all hope for a wonderful partner to spend those years with.

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Sexy time and your cycle...

Dear KnowYourV, , my husband travels for his job right now and it seems like every time he comes home I'm on my period. Is it okay to have sex while I’m on my cycle?"
I know many of you have the same question and I encourage you to do whatever you and your partner enjoy. The only health risk is a slight increase in the chance of catching an STD, so if you are single and having ‘casual’ sex with more than one partner, be sure to practice “safe sex” precautions. The cervix is slightly open during our cycles, which puts us at a much higher risk for PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), and other ascending-type diseases.

Remember to use your WaterWorks feminine cleansing system after sex. It is the only FDA-cleared reusable vaginal cleansing device of its kind. Everyone I have recommended it to loves it because not only does it help rinse the vagina , but it also will help with odor. I would not recommend the use of WaterWorks on heavy flow days, but on light days it definitely help you feel more confident and clean.

WaterWorks uses only plain tap water and can be used daily or even more often, if used after sex to clean out semen. It is the unique reaction of water with the medical grade stainless-steel nozzle that clears odors and discharge. WaterWorks uses a gentle downward sprinkling/rinsing action instead of a forced pressure action, which keeps the flow of bacteria and discharge out, not back up inside your body.

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