If you feel more comfortable, you can opt for a telephone consultation on the appointment form.
The doctor assesses your case, indicates the appropriate analyses and, if confirmed, the right treatment.
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a group of more than 100 types of virus. It is one of the most common sexual infections in the world and can affect both men and women, It also affects the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, anal area and, in some cases, the mouth and throat.
Some types of HPV cause genital warts (also known as condylomas), while others may be associated with the development of precancerous lesions and, in rarer cases, the cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva or oropharynx.
One of the biggest challenges of HPV is that many infected people have no symptoms. Even without visible signs, the virus can be transmitted to partners during sexual contact, facilitating its spread. When present, the most common symptoms include genital warts, itching, irritation or flat lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.
In most cases, the immune system eliminates the virus naturally within two years. However, in some people the infection may persist, it is necessary to medical follow-up to prevent complications and monitor possible injuries.
Despite the associated risks, HPV is manageable and treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Medical treatment aims to remove the lesions caused by the virus and reduce the risk of transmission. Regular follow-up is essential to ensure a safe recovery and prevent new infections.
The symptoms of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vary depending on the type of virus and the site of infection. In most cases, HPV has no visible symptoms, which facilitates transmission during sexual contact, even without the infected person realising it.
When manifestations appear, they can appear weeks, months or even years after contact with the virus.
Symptoms can affect the vulva, vagina, cervix, anus or throat and include:
Manifestations can occur in the penis, scrotum, urethra, anus or throat and include:
Even when it doesn't cause symptoms, HPV can remain active and be passed on to partners. It is therefore important to carry out the screening and medical follow-up, especially in cases of genital warts, changes in the Pap smear or a history of unprotected intercourse.
HPV is transmitted mainly through unprotected sexual contact, be it vaginal, anal or oral, with an infected person.
The virus infects superficial layers of the skin and mucous membranes, and can reach the genital area, anus, mouth and throat.
Even when there are no visible symptoms, the infection can be transmitted, which facilitates its spread between sexual partners.
Unlike some other STIs, HPV not transmitted by blood or casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sharing cutlery, glasses, toilets or swimming pools.
Infection almost always occurs during direct skin-to-skin contact the genital area or through the sharing sex toys without proper sanitisation.
Other possible forms of transmission include:
HPV can remain in the body for months or years without causing symptoms, making prevention essential.
The consistent use of condom, a sanitising sex toys and regular screenings (such as pap smears for women) are the main ways to reduce the risk of infection and associated complications.
HPV is diagnosed through medical assessment and specific laboratory tests, In addition, it is possible to identify the virus or the changes it can cause in the cells of the skin or mucous membranes.
In men and women, diagnosis can involve clinical observation of genital warts or the realisation of laboratory tests in samples taken from the affected region.
The process is organised to guarantee clinical rigour, security and total confidentiality:
This complete process allows for a quick, safe and doctor-guided diagnosis, without unnecessary waiting and with total discretion.
One of the most worrying features of HPV is that most infections have no visible symptoms.
Many people can be infected for months or years without knowing it, continuing to transmit the virus through sexual contact.
The absence of external signs does not mean that the virus has disappeared, HPV can remain latent in the cells of the skin or mucous membranes and reactivate later, especially during periods of decreased immunity.
Even when it doesn't cause symptoms, HPV can evolve silently and lead to complications:
In addition, HPV can act as a persistent and silent infection, serving as a reservoir of the virus in the body.
That's why regular screening and medical follow-up are essential, especially for women, through the HPV test and the Pap smear, which make it possible to detect cellular alterations early on and prevent complications.
Monitoring and treatment:
If the result confirms the presence of HPV or associated lesions, the doctor makes a second appointment to explain the results, clarify doubts and indicate the most appropriate treatment, which can include wart removal, local treatment or regular monitoring.
The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a group of viruses that can affect the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area, anal area and, in some cases, the mouth and throat.
There are more than 100 types of HPV, and some can cause genital warts, while others are associated with development of precancerous lesions or cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva or oropharynx.
Yes. Most people with HPV no visible symptoms. Even so, the virus can remain active and be transmitted to partners during sexual contact.
The absence of external signals does not mean that the virus has disappeared, It can remain latent in the body for months or years.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of virus and the site of infection.
When they are present, they can include:
In women:
In men:
In many cases, HPV occurs in the form of asymptomatic and silent.
After booking an appointment online and filling in the medical questionnaire, the doctor will assess your case and may recommend specific tests, such as HPV test (TAAN/PCR) or the cytological examination (Pap smear), according to gender, symptoms and exposure.
Analyses can be carried out in the laboratory of your choice, as long as it offers the appropriate tests.
Yes. All data and results are treated with total confidentiality, in accordance with the GDPR and health data protection regulations.
Clinical information are not shared with third parties without their explicit consent.
If the test confirms the presence of the virus or associated lesions, the following will be marked a second medical consultation online.
The doctor explains the result, clarifies any doubts and indicates the most appropriate treatment, which can include genital wart removal, topical treatments or regular monitoring with surveillance tests.
Yes. It is important to inform recent sexual partners, as HPV can be transmitted even in the absence of symptoms.
The doctor can advise you on how to communicate this information and about prevention measures for both.
In most cases, the immune system eliminates the virus naturally within 1 to 2 years.
When the virus persists, the HPV lesions are treatable, regular medical monitoring helps prevent complications and new episodes.
Yes. regular screening is essential, especially for people who are sexually active or have multiple partners.
It is recommended:
Men with genital lesions: reassessment whenever symptoms recur.
If you notice rapid growth of lesions, persistent bleeding, intense pain, difficulty urinating or any worsening of your general condition, you should seek urgent face-to-face medical care.
Teleconsultation does not replace the emergency service in serious cases.
Dr Igor Faria
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Igor Faria and I see medicine as a commitment to proximity, where every patient deserves to be listened to and cared for carefully.
Since the beginning of my career, I've always been fascinated by the possibility of making a difference, whether in prevention, emergency or long-term follow-up.
I believe that medicine should be accessible and person-centred, with an empathetic and integrative approach.
Dr Mafalda Morais
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Mafalda and I've always had a passion for medicine and the positive impact it can have on people's lives.
I believe that medical care should be accessible, precise and reliable, always respecting the individuality of each patient.
With an empathetic and humanised approach, I'm here to help you take care of your health in a complete and personalised way.
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Dr Igor Faria has over 16 years' experience as a doctor and a career marked by a commitment to care and proximity to his patients. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) in 2008 and specialised in General Practice in 2014, achieving the title of Graduate Assistant in 2023. With a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine, he combines his clinical knowledge with the promotion of health and well-being in different contexts.
Throughout her career, she has been part of emergency medical teams and ongoing support, namely in the VMER in Viana do Castelo between 2010 and 2022 and in monitoring Residential Structures for the Elderly (ERPI) from 2014 to the present. Her experience and training reflect a broad interest in areas such as Geriatrics, Preventive Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology and Sports Medicine, guaranteeing comprehensive care tailored to the needs of each patient.
Her approach is based on empathy, active listening and an integrative vision of medical care. She believes that humour can be an essential tool in the doctor-patient relationship, making consultations lighter and more accessible. At Médico na Net, her main goal is to help those who can't find a solution in the National Health Service, providing a service that is accessible, humane and focused on the autonomy and well-being of her patients.
Outside of medicine, he devotes himself to his family, sport and personal development, believing that a balance between body and mind is essential for a fulfilling life. Guided by values such as beneficence, autonomy, sincerity, integrity and justice, he sees every consultation as an opportunity to help, guide and make a difference. As he likes to say, inspired by Confucius: "Choose a job you love and you won't have to work a day in your life."
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Dr Mafalda graduated in Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela, completing her studies in 2013. Since then, she has specialised in General Practice and has accumulated 12 years' experience in patient care in various healthcare institutions. She complemented her training with a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine and Aesthetic Medicine, allowing her to offer more comprehensive care adapted to the different needs of her patients.
He currently works at USF Foz do Lima and the Viana do Castelo Private Hospitalwhere she provides medical care centred on well-being and prevention. He has worked in various health institutions.
Training: University of Barcelona
No. of doctors: 71409
Dr Alexandra Azevedo graduated in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 2015, where she subsequently specialised in General Practice. During her training, she developed a strong interest in the approach to chronic pain, having completed an integrated master's degree in Medicine and Surgery with clinical research into pain management. Her professional experience includes several years of clinical practice in Spain, particularly in Catalonia, where she has had contact with a wide variety of pathologies and challenges, both in the emergency department and in primary healthcare.
She currently works as a family doctor at the ULS Braga. She has been a member of the medical-surgical emergency team at Vila Nova de Famalicão Hospital and has worked as a guest lecturer at the Nursing School of the University of Minho, teaching anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
Her main clinical interests include emergency medicine, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, as well as preventive medicine and the control of vascular risk factors. She is also dedicated to anti-smoking counselling and weight loss counselling, helping her patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Her approach to care is based on a holistic vision, considering health as a balance between physical and psychological well-being.
Dr Alexandra stands out for her humanism and her ability to offer quick and effective solutions to minor problems, ensuring that her patients feel well looked after. At Médico na Net, she sees an opportunity to bring healthcare to more people in an accessible and convenient way.
Passionate about music and travelling, she loves getting to know different cultures and lifestyles, which enriches her view of the world and her medical practice. For her, medicine is not just a profession, but a real commitment to the well-being of the people she cares for. As she likes to say: "Health is the balance between physical and psychological well-being.
