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Warning-sign checks

Human papillomavirus: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, or difficulty breathing.

    These are not usual features of uncomplicated HPV and may have another cause.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a healthcare service promptly if a wart or other growth becomes very painful, develops an open sore, changes colour, or bleeds repeatedly.

    Prompt review is also appropriate if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant and develop genital warts.

    Seek urgent medical care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, or difficulty swallowing fluids.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you notice new genital or anal growths, itching, sores, or skin changes.

    You should also seek advice after an abnormal screening result or if you are unsure whether a growth is a wart.

    Make an appointment for symptoms that persist, including bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, unusual vaginal discharge, an anal lump, ongoing hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a neck lump.

    These symptoms often have other explanations, but they deserve assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Human papillomavirus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.