Some Papilloma Viruses cause warts. Some cause genital warts. And some of the HP viruses that cause genital warts also raise the risk of cancer of the cervix and penis.

The standard therapy for genital HPV involves a cream that increases the production of interferon. This suggests that herbs that increase interferon might also be useful.

One study on curcumin (from the spice turmeric) showed that this compound can prevent the transcription (copying) of the virus in cells that are infected by HPV. PMID:15514944 (cache) The study suggested the "basis for developing a novel therapeutic approach to control pathogenic HPV infection by using potent antioxidative agents, such as curcumin," although little research has been conducted to determine how effective curcumin is beyond cell cultures.

When signs of HPV are detected in a routine Pap smear, more tests are in order. Typically, a more detailed exam is done to look for evidence of cancerouse or dysplastic (pre-cancerous or abnormal) cells. More frequent Pap smears are also warranted. In many cases, monitoring for a year may indicate that the problem has spontaneously improved, and the testing becomes less frequent.

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