How your OBGYN doctor in San Dimas, CA, can help protect you from HPV
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, caused by coming into contact with human papillomavirus. Your OBGYN doctor is an expert at HPV and other sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
Dr. Richard Williams at Williams Ob/Gyn & Associates in San Dimas, CA, provides a wide range of obstetrics and gynecology services, including HPV vaccinations, and other preventive services and treatments.
HPV infection is caused by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with another person who has the HPV virus. HPV infection can be transmitted even when the person has no signs or symptoms of HPV. Signs and symptoms of HPV infection can develop years after contact.
In almost all cases HPV infection goes away without treatment within two years. An HPV infection that doesn’t resolve can develop into:
Genital warts, which appear as a single small bump or group of bumps around the genitals. They have various shapes and sizes.
Cancer, which can develop into cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. Oropharyngeal cancer can also occur. Cancer can take years or decades to develop from HPV
You are at greater risk of developing serious medical issues from HPV if you have a compromised immune system, but you can do a lot to prevent HPV and avoid health problems associated with it. You need to:
- Get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine, which is both safe and effective
- Visit your OBGYN for routine screenings for cervical cancer
- Use condoms every time you have sex
- Try to be in a monogamous relationship
You owe it to yourself to find out all you can about prevention of sexually transmitted infections like HPV. To learn more about prevention and the HPV vaccine, call Dr. Richard Williams at Williams Ob/Gyn & Associates in San Dimas, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (909) 599-8677, so call now.