HPV Management Specialist

Women's Health Institute -  - OB-GYN

Women's Health Institute

OB-GYNs & Nurse Practitioners located in Peoria, IL

Erin Overcash WHNP and Dr. Larry Overcash are board-certified health professionals who specialize in women’s health, including the diagnosis and treatment of HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Their facility, the Women’s Health Institute, serves the residents of Peoria, Illinois and surrounding communities.

HPV Management Q & A

What Is HPV?

HPV, or the “Human Papillomavirus,” can produce genital warts and lead to a variety of other health concerns, including cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. The virus has more than 100 different types, with types 16 and 18 the cause of most of the problems when it comes to cervical abnormalities. The virus is located in the flat, thin cells of the skin, known as the epithelial cells. HPV affects these cells in the genitals and surrounding areas. Warts produced by the virus can be found on the head, in the mouth, throat, anus, vagina, cervix, vulva and penis. They can be found singly or in small clusters.

What Are the Symptoms of HPV?

The two main symptoms associated with the HPV virus are itching and the appearance of small warts. Many people have the virus for several months before any symptoms appear. In some cases, irritation and itching may be present long before tell-tale warts make an appearance. Women often find out they have HPV at their yearly pelvic exam.

How Is It Treated?

The best way to treat human papillomavirus is to prevent it. To avoid HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases, women should abstain from having unprotected sex with multiple partners. With the Gardisil vaccine, women and teens have a new weapon to help prevent the spread of the HPV virus. Although there is no cure for the virus, the outbreaks can be controlled, limiting the spread of the virus to others. Treatment can also include boosting the immune system to protect against flare-ups. If warts are present, the doctor will often remove them.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

We accept several insurance plans from many different providers. If you do not see your provider listed here, please give us a call and we will let you know if you are covered.

Aetna
Blue Cross
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Health Alliance PPO
Health Partner
Healthlink
Humana
United Healthcare