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HPV Specialist

Arizona Women's Health Partners

OB-GYNs located in Mesa, AZ

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus spread through sexual intercourse. Thomas Bickley, DO, and Eericca Bickley, DO, of Arizona Women’s Health Partners can diagnose HPV and provide treatment to patients with this infection. Patients concerned about HPV should contact Arizona Women’s Health Partners in Mesa, AZ and serving Gilbert, AZ, to schedule an appointment.

HPV Q&A

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of more than 150 viruses that can infect humans. Some of these viruses cause warts in various locations on the body, while others can lead to cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer. HPV is very common, and most people will contract at least one form of the virus at some time during their lives.

What causes HPV?

Most women contract HPV after having intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. These viruses usually spread during vaginal or anal intercourse. Infected people can pass these viruses to another person even when they aren’t showing any symptoms. In addition, some viruses may not cause any symptoms until years after the initial infection, which makes it more difficult to determine the source of the virus.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Some HPVs may not cause any symptoms, while others may cause warts to appear, usually on the genitals. These growths can vary in size and appearance.

How is HPV diagnosed?

In many cases, Dr. Thomas or Dr. Eericca will be able to diagnose HPVs that cause genital warts based on the appearance of the warts. However, HPVs that don’t cause symptoms are usually diagnosed with a blood test.

How does Arizona Women’s Health Partners treat HPV?

There’s not currently a cure for HPVs. However, the majority of HPV infections will go away on their own without causing severe symptoms or complications for the patient.

In cases where the virus causes warts on the genitals, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Eericca can perform procedures to remove the warts. Prescription medication may also be beneficial. In cases where the virus causes no symptoms, patients should be monitored for any signs of cancers related to the virus. Early detection improves the effectiveness of treatment significantly.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine protects against the HPVs most likely to cause cancer. This vaccine is available to children beginning at age of 11 or 12. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend this vaccine for women through the age of 26. Patients interested in the HPV vaccine should discuss the issue with Dr. Thomas or Dr. Eericca.

Insurance

*We accept the majority of health insurance plans. Please call our office if you do not see yours listed or have any other questions. Please note to check with your insurance or call the office to make certain that we are on your specific insurance plan as they are constantly changing.*

Aetna
Altius (Coventry Health Care)
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Arizona Foundation for Medical Care
Banner Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Care1st
Cigna
Deseret Mutual
Guardian
Health Choice Arizona
Health Net
Humana
Mercy Care
United Healthcare