What Is HPV?

HPV is human papillomavirus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and affects both males and females alike. HPV is asymptomatic, meaning those who are infected with it have no idea that they carry HPV.

There are over a hundred strands of HPV. The vast majority of them are harmless. However, high-risk HPV strains include HPV 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Other high-risk HPV viruses include 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, and a few others. Low-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, cause about 90% of genital warts, which rarely develop into cancer. Genital warts can look like bumps or growths.

HPV TESTING

(from healio.com)

Screening for HPV is usually carried out by a Pap smear or by liquid-based cytology to detect abnormal cells. When abnormal cells are detected, a colposcopic inspection is recommended. During this procedure, biopsies are performed and abnormal cells removed via cauterizing loop or, more commonly, by cryotherapy.

HPV TREATMENT

(from healio.com)

Although there is no current treatment for HPV, the two HPV vaccines (Cervarix, GlaxoSmithKline and Gardasil, Merck) provide protection from infection with HPV types 16 and 18 — the cause of 70% of cervical cancer.

According to the CDC, “Condom use may reduce the risk for genital HPV infection.” However, when compared with other sexually transmitted infections, condom use provides a lesser degree of protection because HPV can also be transmitted via exposure to infected skin or mucosal surfaces not protected by condom use.

IS HPV PERMANENT?

(from healio.com)

In most girls, HPV infection is temporary and does not have a significant long-term effect. Within 1 year, 70% of HPV infections are cured; 90% are cured within 2 years. Yet, in 5% to 10% of women, HPV infection persists. These patients are at a significant risk for precancerous lesions of the cervix, which may lead to invasive cervical cancer within 10 to 15 years.

On rare occasions, mothers with genital HPV can pass on the virus to their baby during delivery, and the baby may develop recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. This is a condition in which warts grow on the throat and is referred to as juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in older children.

CONNECTION TO OTHER CANCERS?

(from healio.com)

Data suggest HPV is also linked to lung and throat cancers.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT HPV?

(from healio.com)

Vaccination

One way to avoid HPV is to get vaccinated. The vaccines are given in three injections throughout the course of 6 months.

According to CDC, all boys and girls should get vaccinated at the age of 11 or 12 years. Vaccines are recommended for males through age 21 years, and for females through age 26 years, if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.

The HPV vaccine is also recommended for men who have sex with men, as well as men and women with compromised immune systems, including people living with HIV/AIDS, through age 26 years.