What is Human papillomavirus infection?

Human papillomavirus or HPV is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection. It can result in skin warts, genital warts and some forms of cancer. There are many types of HPV which can cause different health problems but the types of HPV which are transmitted sexually usually infect the genital area of both men and women including the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis and scrotum.

How do you get infected with HPV?

HPV can easily be transmitted via sexual skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. So you can get infected if your mouth or genitals touch the genitals of someone who is already infected. This usually happens as a consequence of oral, vaginal and anal sex. People with multiple sexual partners are more susceptible to HPV. Thus, HPV can be transmitted even without sexual intercourse taking place. Since HPV is the most common STD (Sexually transmitted disease), it is estimated that most sexually active individuals contract HPV at some point in their lives. Occasionally, infected individuals are asymptomatic because the virus remains dormant which amplifies the chance of spreading it to their sexual partners.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Often, HPV infected individuals don’t show any symptoms and are visibly healthy. But sometimes, HPV tends to cause serious health problems. These include genital warts and some forms of cancer.

People with a long-lasting HPV infection are at a greater risk of developing fatal health issues. High-risk HPV infections include:

• Cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer) or vagina (vaginal cancer) in women and cancer of the penis (penile cancer) in men caused by an infection in the genitals.
• An HPV infection around the anus can cause anal cancer in both men and women.
• Oral cancers in men and women due to infection in the mouth and throat.

These medical conditions usually manifest themselves years after the person is first infected.

How is HPV treated/ Is HPV curable?

There is no available treatment for an HPV infection. But you can consult a doctor for treatment options pertaining to serious health issues arising from the infection. There’s no cure for HPV, but certain precautionary measures can keep you safe and healthy. As they say, “Prevention is better than cure.” Vaccines play a pivotal role in the prevention of the types of HPV infections that can cause cervical and vaginal cancer in women. These HPV vaccines are also really potent against infections that cause genital warts. For unvaccinated individuals who have contracted high-risk types of HPV that can eventually lead to cancer, PAP tests and/or HPV tests is the optimal way to prevent cervical cancer.

PAP-SMEAR & HPV TESTS

A Pap test sometimes called a Pap smear is the most common technique used to detect an HPV infection. A Pap test is used to find cell changes or abnormal cells in the cervix. Cells collected from the cervical lining are sent to a lab and looked at under a microscope to check for abnormalities. The Pap test is very effective in finding cancer cells and cells that may eventually become cancerous.

HPV is a virus that can cause changes in the cells lining the cervix. The HPV test is designed to detect the virus instead of changes in the cells. An HPV test is usually done at the same time as the Pap test, this is referred to as co-testing. Both these testing techniques are only effective for cervical abnormalities in women caused by the HPV. Unfortunately, there is no approved HPV test for men at this time which is why physical examination is the only way to detect HPV infections of the genitalia in men.

How can I make sure I don’t get or spread HPV?

• VACCINE:

Vaccines also called vaccinations or immunizations prepare the body to fight against germs that cause infections. The HPV vaccine can help prevent an HPV infection. Mostly, an HPV infection of the genitals, mouth and throat doesn’t develop into cancer, but it is still tough to predict if one can get cancer from an HPV infection. Thus, it is imperative to vaccinate yourself as a preventative measure.

There are 3 different types of HPV vaccines, but the availability of each type depends on where you live. The HPV vaccine is given in a series of shots and the dosage for the shots depends on the individual’s age:

• For people ages 9-14, you get 2 HPV shots. The second shot is given 6 months after the first one.
• For people ages 15 and older, you get 3 separate HPV shots over the course of 6 months.

Anyone between the age of 9 to 26 can get the HPV vaccine to protect against genital warts and/or different types of HPV infections that can cause cancer. It’s highly recommended for children of age 11-12 to get vaccinated so they’re immunized years before they become sexually active. Pregnant women are discouraged from getting the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine can’t cure an HPV infection that a person already has. That’s why it’s recommended to get vaccinated while you are still a virgin. But regardless of your age or sexual history, talk with your doctor to find out if the HPV vaccine could still benefit you.

Several researches have confirmed the safety of the HPV vaccine. The most common side effects include redness, swelling or soreness where the shot was given. To make sure that you don’t experience these side effects, the doctor/nurse will instruct you to stay on the examination table for a few minutes after the shot.

The vaccine is really effective at preventing the types of HPV infections that can cause cervical or vaginal cancer in women and genital warts in both men and women. It might also lower the risk of other types of cancer. Although, the vaccine is not perfect it is still your best shot at preventing an HPV infection.

Minimizing the spread of HPV

Not having sexual intercourse can help avoid skin-to-skin contact. Also, using condoms and/or other contraceptives can lower the risk of transmission to a certain extent.