You've probably heard the words `HPV`. Maybe from a friend, or the internet, or a doctor. What exactly is `HPV (Human Papillomavirus)`? Is this something you should be afraid of? No, don't worry. Let's talk about it simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?
Simply put, HPV is a very common virus. It's like the common cold, but it's a little different. There are over 100 types of HPV. Some types can cause small warts on your hands, feet, or face. There are also about 30 types that affect the genitals. That means the vagina, cervix, and penis. Genital warts are caused by these types of HPV.
In fact, HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So common, in fact, that many sexually active people who have not been vaccinated against HPV will be infected with the virus at some point in their lives. But most of the time, they don't even know they have it.
Now here's the important thing. There are 'low-risk' and 'high-risk' types of HPV. The low-risk types are the ones that cause warts, as mentioned earlier. However, there are some high-risk types of HPV that can cause cancers like cervical cancer and vaginal cancer. But don't worry , if you catch it early, whether it's through a Pap smear or an HPV test, and if you find and treat precancerous cells, you can often prevent cancer from developing.
What is the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer?
When most people think of HPV, they think of cervical cancer. Yes, there is some truth to that. Some types of HPV, especially types 16 and 18, can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. We call this cervical dysplasia. This is like a warning sign before cancer. If these cell changes are not treated, they can sometimes develop into cervical cancer over time.
But here's something to remember. If you're under 30, most HPV infections go away on their own . It's like our immune system fights the virus and defeats it. After age 30, if a Pap smear shows HPV, your doctor will decide if you need to get tested more often. That means if you're at high risk, it's important to get tested more often.
That's why it's so important to have regular Pap smears starting at age 21. But don't be afraid that just because you've been told you have HPV or cervical dysplasia, you'll develop cancer. It doesn't happen to everyone.
How long does it take for an HPV infection to turn into cancer?
This is a question that many people ask. Actually, the HPV virus itself does not 'turn' into cancer. What happens is this: If you get infected with a 'high-risk' type of HPV, it can cause precancerous cell changes in your cells. If these cell changes are left untreated, they can eventually develop into cancer. But this process can take years, even decades . That's why it's important to detect these precancerous cell changes early with tests like the Pap smear.
What are the symptoms of an HPV infection?
Most of the time, an HPV infection that affects your genitals doesn't cause any symptoms . However, if symptoms do occur, the most common sign is the development of genital warts. These warts can look like small cabbage-like growths or even skin tags. They can appear weeks, months, or even years after you've been infected. Like other types of HPV, genital warts are contagious . They can also be itchy and very uncomfortable.
The important thing is that 'high-risk' HPV types often don't cause any symptoms until they develop into cancer . That's why getting tested is essential.
Are all warts caused by HPV?
Yes! This can be a little confusing, especially when trying to understand the difference between the warts that grow on your finger, the warts that grow in your genital area, and the HPV that can lead to cervical cancer.
Simply put, the types of HPV that cause warts, including genital warts (which are mainly caused by HPV types 6 and 11), are really annoying. Who likes warts, especially in the genital area? However, these types of HPV are not harmful, meaning they do not cause cancer .
Other types of HPV can cause warts on other parts of the body:
- Flat warts
- Plantar warts on the palms and soles
- Periungual and subungual warts
Important: All warts are caused by HPV. However, not all types of HPV cause warts. The types of HPV that can lead to cancer do not cause warts. Keep this in mind.
How is HPV transmitted?
Genital HPV is spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact . That is, during intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. Your genitals — including your vagina, penis, scrotum, rectum, and anus — can be infected if they come into contact with the same areas of an infected person.
There is also some chance that the virus can be transmitted through manual contact with the genitals, for example, through ``fingering'' or ``handjobs''. However, this is said to be a less common way of transmitting the virus, and the data on this is less than that of genital contact.
How likely is it to get HPV?
HPV is a highly contagious virus. One reason is that it is spread through skin-to-skin contact. You don't need to share body fluids to get the virus from someone, or from someone else to get the virus. The virus can be spread even if there is no ejaculation.
Who does HPV affect?
Anyone who has sex with someone who has the virus or has close genital contact can get HPV. Also, anyone who has the virus can pass it on to their partner.
If you have HIV, your immune system may have a harder time fighting HPV infections. Men who have sex with men are more likely to get high-risk types of HPV that can cause cancer. At that time, your doctor may recommend an anal Pap test. Although the Pap test does not directly detect HPV, it can detect precancerous cell changes. Ask your doctor if you need this test.
Regardless of your reproductive anatomy, it is important to prevent the spread of HPV by getting the HPV vaccine and practicing safe sex (using condoms or dental dams correctly and consistently) .
How HPV affects women
Generally, women are at the highest risk from HPV. This is because a 'high-risk' HPV infection can develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. Pap smears and HPV tests can detect precancerous cell changes early and prevent cervical cancer. HPV can also cause genital warts in women.
How HPV affects men
For men, the health risks from HPV are lower than for women. Men can also get genital warts, but most infections go away on their own . HPV can cause cancers of the penis, anus, and head and neck, but these are very rare . Therefore, HPV testing and Pap smears are not usually recommended for men (except for the anal Pap test for MSM).
What are the complications of HPV infection?
The most serious complication of HPV is cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer associated with HPV . Other types of cancer are much rarer. They include:
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Throat cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
However, just because you have HPV – even if it's a 'high-risk' type – don't assume that you will develop this cancer .
Genital warts are another complication of HPV. They can be itchy, uncomfortable, and interfere with daily life. Aside from those symptoms, genital warts are not very harmful.
What tests can detect HPV infection?
Genital warts and warts on other parts of the body can usually be identified by a doctor when they are seen. Because the 'high-risk' types of HPV do not cause symptoms, you will often only find out if you have an infection through a routine Pap smear or HPV test.
- Pap smear: This checks for cervical cancer and precancerous cells that can develop into cancer if left untreated. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by 'high-risk' HPV.
- HPV test: This can directly detect the presence of 'high-risk' HPV types, that is, types of viruses that can cause cervical cancer if left untreated.
There are other procedures that can detect abnormal cells that may be caused by HPV infection:
- Colposcopy: Your doctor may order this test if your Pap smear shows abnormal cells or if you are HPV positive. In this test, your cervix is magnified with a lighted instrument called a colposcope. This allows you to see any abnormal cells clearly. The doctor can take a small sample of the cells and send it to a lab to check for precancer or cancer. This is called a biopsy.
- Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA): This method is used by doctors working in areas where Pap smears or HPV tests are not easily available. In this method, a vinegar-like solution is applied to the cervix, which turns any abnormal cells white, making them easier to identify.
What are the treatments for HPV?
Remember, treatments cannot completely remove the HPV virus from your body . However, there are treatments that can help remove visible warts in your genital area or elsewhere on your body, and to remove abnormal cells in your cervix.
There are several treatment methods:
- Cryosurgery: This involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze warts and remove them, or to destroy abnormal cells.
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): A special wire loop is used to remove warts or abnormal cells from the cervix.
- Electrocautery: An electrical current is used to burn and remove warts.
- Laser therapy: Uses intense light to destroy warts or abnormal cells.
- Cold knife cone biopsy: A cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue is removed from the cervix. This may contain abnormal cells.
- Prescription creams: There are prescription creams that can be applied directly to warts to kill them, such as imiquimod (Aldara®) and podofilox (Condylox®).
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA): This is a chemical treatment. It is applied to burn away warts.
Only a small number of people with 'high-risk' HPV develop abnormal cervical cells that require treatment to prevent them from becoming cancer.
Can HPV be prevented?
The only way to completely prevent HPV is to abstain from sex. But for many people, that's not practical. So, more realistic goals are to reduce the risk of HPV infection and prevent cervical cancer by living a healthy sex life.
You can reduce your risk by:
- Get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine works best if you get it before you become sexually active (around age 11 or 12). However, it can also help protect you from types of HPV that you haven't been exposed to before, even after you become sexually active. Talk to your doctor about your options.
- Get regular screenings and tests. Early detection of HPV and abnormal cells can help prevent cervical cancer. You should start getting regular Pap smears starting at age 21. Ask your doctor about a screening schedule that's right for you.
- Practice safer sex . Condoms and dental dams are not as effective at preventing HPV as they are at preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are spread through semen or vaginal fluid. This is because HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact. However, using them correctly every time you have sex can reduce your risk of getting HPV.
- Protect your partner(s) . Tell your partner if you have HPV. They can get tested too. You may need to stop having sex while you are being treated for genital warts or 'high-risk' HPV. Ask your doctor about precautions you should take if you have an HPV infection.
What can I expect if I have an HPV infection?
The general prognosis for HPV is very good . It depends on the type of HPV you have and how well your body is able to fight off the infection. If you have a 'low-risk' type of HPV and you are healthy, there is a good chance that the infection will clear up on its own within 12 to 24 months .
There are some types of HPV that can cause cancer. Your doctor will monitor you for these types and recommend further testing or treatment if necessary. Early detection of 'high-risk' types and continued testing (e.g., regular Pap tests) can help prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV.
Can HPV be cured?
No. There is no cure for HPV. However, your immune system is very good at clearing the virus for you. Most HPV infections (about 90%) go away within a year or two.
Is HPV contagious for life?
Not necessarily. As long as you have the virus – whether you have symptoms or not – you can spread it from person to person. For example, if your genital warts go away but the virus is still in your body, you can pass the HPV virus that caused those warts on to someone else.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if you have any of these:
- Genital warts . These are warts that look like cauliflower. They can appear in your vagina, anus, or mouth.
- Abnormal Pap smear results. Abnormal Pap smear results mean you may need more testing for HPV.
Also, ask your doctor how often you should have tests that can show an HPV infection, such as a Pap smear. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about HPV, especially if you have a health condition that weakens your immune system. This can make it harder for your body to fight off the virus.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
It's very common to have a few questions about HPV. You can ask questions like these:
- Do I need treatment for HPV?
- Is this HPV type 'high-risk'?
- Should I get tested for HPV regularly?
- Can I pass HPV to others?
- Can I get the HPV vaccine?
Should my partner be worried if I have HPV?
HPV is very common. Almost everyone has or will have HPV at some point in their life . Most HPV infections go away on their own , as your body fights off the virus.
It's hard to tell for sure whether your partner got HPV from you or someone else. Because HPV can take years to show symptoms (if it does). The best thing you can do is get regular health checkups and share your health information with your partner.
Finally, things to remember
It's normal to feel overwhelmed and scared when you learn about HPV (Human Papillomavirus). You may have many questions about how it will affect your health and your sexual relationships. Before you panic, talk to your doctor about this virus and what it really does. Don't immediately assume that you will get cancer.
Not all HPV types are the same. HPV, which causes genital warts, can be embarrassing, but the virus is not harmful. Most HPV infections are cleared by your body. In cases where your body can't fight them off, your doctor will monitor the cells for changes that could lead to cancer.
Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine and get tested regularly. That's the most important thing.
` Human papillomavirus, HPV, cervical cancer, genital warts, Pap test, HPV vaccine, sexually transmitted infections
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