Reality Check: Just because you have genital warts does NOT necessarily mean you are going to get pre-cancerous or cancerous changes. It does mean that you need to be followed closely by your doctor because these changes could occur. In fact, experts believe HPV is only one factor in causing these changes. Other factors -- especially cigarette smoking -- are thought to contribute.
So...
Girls, you need to have regular PAP tests if you are sexually active (or once you turn 18) to make sure your cervix is healthy. If any abnormal or pre-cancerous cells are found on your PAP test, your doctor will discuss what that means and what treatment is needed.
This is so important, because in teenage girls the cervix is at a great risk for HPV infection and is susceptible to the changes HPV can cause. That s because a teenage girl s cervix is still maturing.
Guys, you should have regular check-ups with your doctor who should do a careful genital examination.
Now take a minute and go back to the questions you first read. They are real questions and tough answers for sure, but there are answers, and there is help. Don't be afraid to talk with your doctor about HPV and genital warts because it s a hard issue to deal with alone.
