What is HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among men and women today. HPV is a virus which means that currently it cannot be cured.
How is HPV spread?
There are 30 to 40 types of HPV that can be transmitted sexually through sexual skin-to-skin contact, mainly through oral, vaginal and anal sex. The American Social Health Association reports that close to 75% of American men and women (over the age of 15) get HPV during their lifetime.
What are some symptoms of HPV?
Most of the types of HPV infections are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. There are some types of HPV that cause genital warts, and some types that cause abnormal cell changes on the female’s cervix which is called dysplasia. Genital warts can appear in the genital area, which includes the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus, buttocks or inner thighs. They are raised and flesh colored and can be large or small, in groups or alone. They usually do not hurt or itch. Some people have only one episode of genital warts while others have several. Warts on other parts of the body cannot cause warts on the genitals. Genital warts and dysplasia can appear within weeks, months, or sometimes years after a person has been exposed to HPV, which is why it’s hard for both males and females to know they have the virus or when they got it.
How can HPV be diagnosed?
Women can be tested for HPV by getting a Pap test during their annual visit to the gynecologist (GYN). The doctor will collect a small sample of cells from a female’s cervix using a small brush and a spatula in order to test for HPV. (Click here for more info on getting a Pap test.) Men can also get HPV and pass it on to their partners, but there is currently no test for men. Men can, however, show signs of genital warts. It’s a good idea to get tested for STIs regularly or between partners. Just ask your doctor for routine STI and HIV testing during a physical or GYN exam.
Is HPV curable and/or treatable?
HPV is a virus which means that currently, it cannot be cured; however, in many cases the body’s immune system fights off HPV and the virus becomes inactive (meaning it doesn’t create abnormal cells in the body) in about two years. There are also creams, gels and other treatments to remove genital warts. It is important to remember that even if warts are no longer present, that HPV can still be active in the body. HPV should be carefully monitored by a doctor. The types of HPV that cause dysplasia, if left untreated for many years, can sometimes lead to cervical cancer. In many cases, however, dysplasia will not develop into cervical cancer, especially if a doctor is monitoring it. It is important to know that the types of HPV that cause genital warts do not ever lead to cancer. Please see your doctor if you experience any symptoms.
How can HPV be prevented?
The best way to protect yourself from HPV is to avoid any sexual contact (genital-to-genital or mouth-to-genital). Using latex or polyurethane condoms and dental dams for oral, vaginal and anal sex reduces the risk of getting HPV. Since HPV is transmitted skin-to-skin, condoms are the BEST way for someone who is having sex to prevent HPV because they cover a portion of the genital area.
How can you and your partner stay healthy together?
The types of HPV that cause genital warts are more contagious when warts are present. So avoiding any sexual contact during an episode of genital warts is a good way to protect a partner. It is possible to pass the virus onto a partner when there are no warts present, however it is less likely.
Click here for more info on HPV and the HPV vaccine, Gardasil.