HPV
What is HPV?
HPV is short for the Human Papillomavirus. HPV is a virus that can often lead to cancer but preventable with a vaccine that is given as early as 9 and up to age 46. It can often go away on its own but if not cleared by the body it can lead to several cancers.
There are over 200 types of HPV with some leading to cervical, head and neck, and other kinds of cancer.
Who Can Get HPV?
HPV is a very common virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that around 80 million people currently have HPV in the United States, and around 14 million people contract a new infection of HPV each year.
HPV is spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has HPV. HPV is usually spread during sexual contact though common warts can be spread without sexual contact. HPV can also be contracted even if you’ve only had sexual encounters with one person. Infections are more likely in those who have had multiple sex partners.
Treatment and Prevention of HPV
There are no treatments available of the HPV virus itself. There are treatments that can be provided for the health problems that HPV can cause.
- Genital warts can be treated through a prescription medication.
- Cervical precancer can be detected by Pap tests and treated if identified early.
- There are other medications and procedures that can be recommended. It is best to consult with your doctor as to which medication/treatment is best suited for you.
Prevention
HPV can be prevented!
HPV vaccination is the best way to prevent infection from 9 types of HPV. (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58). Currently, the CDC recommends everyone ages 9-46 to be vaccinated. Vaccination can begin as early as 9 years of age.
- Condoms can help provide some protection against HPV infection and their use is encouraged. HPV can still spread if it is present on skin that is not covered by the condom.
- Get your vaccine to prevent HPV!
What are the symptoms of HPV?
The symptoms of HPV can vary. Those who have HPV usually do not show any symptoms or signs of infection.
It is important to have regular well women and dental screening checkups and testing. Testing can help find if HPV is present and if there are any abnormal cell changes. Cancers can be prevented early if your doctor is able to catch early warning signs.
A Pap Test (Pap Smear) can also help find if there are abnormal cell on your cervix that could be caused by HPV. A pap smear does not test for HPV but can help your doctor monitor and treat any abnormalities. Blood tests are also available along with a Pap test to see if you have markers for common types of cancer-causing HPV. There aren’t any tests available to test HPV in the vulva, penis, throat, or anus areas.
Will I get cancer if I get HPV?
Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, these types do not cause cancer, but can be prevented with a vaccine.
There are 2 types of HPV that can cause genital warts: HPV type 6 and 11. These types are low-risk HPV and do not lead to cancer.
HPV can infect the mouth and throat and cause oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is thought to cause 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States.
HPV types 16 and 18 lead to the majority of cancer cases and are considered high-risk HPV.
