Comprehensive HPV and Anal Health Screening in Chicago: Screening, Prevention and Treatment
At Howard Brown Health in Chicago, Illinois, we provide expert care for HPV and Anal Health (human papillomavirus)-related conditions. HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a very common sexually transmitted disease. You can read more about it below in our What Is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and How It Relates to Anal Health section.
Here are some of the conditions we treat:
- Anal dysplasia (precancerous cell changes in the anal canal lining)
- Precancerous lesions (abnormal cell changes that may develop into cancer if untreated), and
- Anal region health concerns
The anus is a primary site for HPV infection and related health issues, making specialized care essential for prevention and early intervention. Our HPV and Anal Health program is one of the few specialized services in the Midwest offering advanced screening and treatment with High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) for early detection and management of anal precancers. Certain high-risk HPV types are strongly linked to the development of anal and other cancers, underscoring the importance of regular screening and expert care.
This page provides comprehensive information about HPV and anal health, including screening, prevention, and treatment options in Chicago.
Dedicated HPV and Anal Health Care Across Chicago
At Howard Brown Health, we offer Anal Dysplasia screening and treatment using High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) at multiple locations, including our Halsted and 55th Street Clinic locations in Chicago. This ensures convenient access to high-quality preventive care across the city. Learn more about our locations here.
Convenient online scheduling is available here or call us at 773.388.1600. We can help you find the right location and a time that works with your schedule.
What Is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and How It Relates to Anal Health
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted disease spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. People can carry HPV without symptoms and still transmit it to others. Most sexually active people, due to sexual activity as a key factor in HPV transmission, will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. Certain HPV strains are considered “low risk” and may cause warts, while high-risk strains can lead to abnormal cell changes (dysplasia) that increase the chance of developing anal cancer over time, raising the risk of anal cancer. Women with a history of certain cancers are at higher risk for anal cancer due to shared HPV infection pathways. Here is a list of those cancers:
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
Common HPV Infection and Anal Health Conditions
Genital Warts and Anal Warts
- Usually caused by low-risk HPV types; they may appear as small bumps and are treatable.
Anal Dysplasia
- Precancerous cell changes, such as precancerous anal lesions, in the anal canal lining linked to high-risk HPV strains. Regular screening helps identify these changes early.
Why Anal Dysplasia Screening Matters
Anal Dysplasia Screening
- Anal dysplasia often has no symptoms, but when high-grade lesions are identified, early treatment can significantly reduce the increased risk of progression to anal cancer by preventing abnormal cells from progressing to more serious or cancerous stages, such as anal squamous cell carcinoma.
Anal Cancer Screening
- According to Cancer.org, medical evidence strongly supports the link between HPV and anal cancer, highlighting the importance of regular screening and vaccination. Anal cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer in the United States, with an estimated 11,270 new cases diagnosed and approximately 1,700 deaths expected in 2026. Although uncommon compared with other cancers, the number of new anal cancer cases has been rising over recent years, particularly among older adults and certain high-risk groups. Importantly, around 90% of anal cancers are linked to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk strains like HPV-16 and HPV-18, making anal HPV infection the primary risk factor for this disease.
Early detection can help identify cancer at an earlier stage, which can improve anal cancer treatment outcomes.
Who Should Consider Screening for Anal Dysplasia?
Certain individuals may benefit from anal dysplasia screening. Here is a list of who may benefit:
- People living with HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus)
- Men who have sex with men (MSM), to include:
- Receptive anal sex (being the partner who receives)
- Insertive anal sex (being the partner who penetrates)
- Oral sex (mouth-to-genital or mouth-to-anus contact)
- Genital-to-genital contact between men
- Shared use of sex toys during anal or genital contact
- Individuals with multiple sex partners or receptive anal sex history
- People with prior anal and genital warts
- Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, who experience higher rates of anal cancer. Immunosuppression in these groups increases the risk of persistent HPV infection and related complications.
Screening typically involves anal cytology (anal pap test), HPV testing, and Digital Rectal Exam (DARE). If abnormalities are detected, High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) is used for closer evaluation of tissue samples.
How to Reduce Your Risk Factors for Anal HPV Transmission
HPV Vaccine
- For years, we have recognized that understanding the risk factors for anal cancer serves as the foundation for prevention and protection within our community.
- We know that the most significant risk factor remains infection with high-risk HPV, which can lead to abnormal cell changes in the anal canal.
- That’s why we have long advocated for HPV vaccination for all individuals, especially those who are sexually active.
- We’ve seen how vaccination provides crucial protection against the strains of HPV most commonly linked to anal and other HPV-related cancers.
Safe Sex Practices
- We believe in meeting people where they are, which includes promoting safe sex practices such as using condoms, an approach we’ve found to be highly effective in reducing anal HPV infection risk and preventing anal cancer.
- For individuals who are HIV positive, we understand that the risk of anal cancer is elevated, making regular screening tests even more essential to their care.
- We’ve also observed that anal warts, caused by low-risk HPV types, can increase the likelihood of abnormal cell growth, which is why we emphasize early detection and treatment as key components of comprehensive care.
Quitting Smoking
- We know that quitting smoking represents a crucial step forward, as smoking has been identified as a known risk factor for anal cancer and can interfere with the body’s ability to clear HPV infection.
- By bringing together these protective strategies, like vaccination, safe sex, smoking cessation, and regular screening, we’ve helped countless individuals significantly reduce their risk and support their long-term health.
- We encourage you to connect with your healthcare provider about which prevention steps make the most sense for your life and circumstances.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options in Chicago
Our clinicians at Howard Brown Health use industry-standard procedures to diagnose and manage HPV-related anal changes. Here are some of the procedures we use:
- Anal cytology and HPV tests to detect abnormal cells
- High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) for detailed examination, where the anus is closely looked at for abnormal cells (unlike colonoscopy, which examines the colon, HRA focuses specifically on the anus and anal canal)
- Targeted treatments to reduce or remove dysplastic tissue
Treatment choices depend on lesion severity and may include targeted removal techniques.
Convenient online scheduling is available here or call us at 773.388.1600. We can help you find the right location and a time that works with your schedule.
Living with HPV and Anal Health Conditions
Howard Brown Health is Your Health Journey Partner
Managing anal health conditions like anal warts or persistent high-risk HPV infection means we’re here to walk alongside you in taking an active role in your health journey. We know that navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming, especially when facing conditions that aren’t often discussed openly. That’s why we’re committed to working closely with you to develop a personalized care plan that meets you where you are.
Our collaborative approach often includes regular screening tests, such as High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA), to monitor abnormal cell growth and catch any changes early, because we believe in care that’s both thorough and accessible. Convenient online scheduling is available here or call us at 773.388.1600. We can help you find the right location and a time that works with your schedule.
Adopting Health Habits
We understand that adopting healthy habits isn’t always straightforward, and that everyone’s circumstances are different. Still, we’ve seen how meaningful changes like quitting smoking and practicing safe sex can make a real difference in reducing your risk of developing anal cancer.
We also want you to feel empowered to recognize common symptoms, such as bleeding or pain in the anal canal, and we encourage you to reach out to us without hesitation if you notice anything that feels unusual. Your concerns matter, and we’re here to listen first and respond with the care you deserve.
Follow Recommended Guidelines
Following recommended guidelines for screening and care, as outlined by the National Cancer Institute, remains at the heart of our approach to preventing anal cancer and improving outcomes when issues do develop. We know that early detection and treatment are essential, and we’re committed to keeping you informed, supporting you through your appointments, and making sure you always have a place to bring questions or concerns.
By taking these steps together, we can help protect your health and well-being for years to come because quality care should be something everyone can access, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
HPV Prevention Strategies
Although there’s no cure for HPV itself, you can reduce your risk of HPV-related disease through:
- HPV vaccination, which helps protect against the strains most often linked to cancer development.
- Routine screening when indicated
- Safer sexual practices, including using condoms to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of HPV transmission, and regular healthcare follow-ups
- Quitting smoking is also important, as it can help lower your risk of developing anal cancer.
It’s important to remember that several factors contribute to the risk of developing anal cancer, so addressing them together is key to effective prevention. Convenient online scheduling is available here or call us at 773.388.1600. We can help you find the right location and a time that works with your schedule.
Get HPV and Anal Health Care in Chicago
If you live in the Chicago area and need anal health services, HPV screening, or prevention counseling, Howard Brown Health’s Anal Health program provides compassionate, inclusive and expert care. We serve people of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds across the city.
Clinic Locations Offering Anal Health Services:
- Halsted Street Clinic – Chicago, IL
- 55th Street Clinic – Chicago, IL
Book an Appointment
Talk with your primary care provider at Howard Brown Health about whether you should be screened for HPV-related anal dysplasia or other conditions. You can also schedule an appointment for dedicated Anal Health services or visit our Sexual & Reproductive Health Walk-In Clinic for HPV, STI, and anal health screening without an appointment.
Convenient online scheduling is available here or call us at 773.388.1600. We can help you find the right location and a time that works with your schedule.
Common Questions about HPV and Anal Health
What is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
How does it affect anal health?
Some HPV types can cause cell changes in the anal canal that may lead to anal dysplasia or, over time, anal cancer. Regular screening helps detect changes early.
HPV can also cause cancers in other areas of the body, such as the lungs and neck.
What is anal dysplasia?
Anal dysplasia refers to abnormal or precancerous cells in the lining of the anal canal. These changes are often caused by high-risk HPV types. Dysplasia does not mean cancer but monitoring and treatment can prevent progression.
Who should consider anal dysplasia screening?
Screening may be recommended for:
- People living with HIV
- Men who have sex with men
- People with a history of anal or genital warts
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- Those with a history of receptive anal sex
A provider can help determine what is right for you. Convenient online scheduling is available here or call us at 773.388.1600. We can help you find the right location and a time that works with your schedule.
What is High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)?
High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) is a specialized exam that allows clinicians to closely examine the anal canal for abnormal cells. It is considered the gold standard for detecting anal dysplasia.
Can HPV be prevented?
Increased risk for HPV can be reduced through:
- HPV vaccination
- Routine screenings
- Safer sex practices
- Regular healthcare visits
The HPV vaccine can help prevent HPV infection and protects against the types most often linked to cancer.
Where can I get screened in Chicago?
Howard Brown Health offers affirming HPV and anal health services in Chicago, including screening, prevention counseling, and treatment options. Convenient online scheduling is available here or call us at 773.388.1600. We can help you find the right location and a time that works with your schedule.