1. What is HPV?
– Definition: HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which about 40 can be transmitted through direct sexual contact. Some types of HPV can cause health problems, including genital warts and various cancers (cervical, anal, head and neck cancers).
– Types: HPV is categorized into:
– Low-Risk HPV: These types, such as HPV 6 and 11, are responsible for genital warts but are not associated with cancer.
– High-Risk HPV: These types, including HPV 16 and 18, can lead to the development of precancerous lesions and various cancers.
2. How Do You Get HPV?
– Transmission: HPV is primarily spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. This includes:
– Vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if they don’t have visible symptoms.
– HPV can be transmitted even if the infected person does not have signs of the infection or does not know they are infected.
– Commonality: HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most sexually active individuals will contract some form of HPV at some point in their lives.
3. How is HPV Diagnosed?
– Symptoms: Most people with HPV do not experience symptoms and may not even know they are infected. High-risk types can lead to cervical cancer over time.
– Screening: Women may be screened for HPV through:
– Pap test (Pap smear): Detects precancerous changes in cervical cells.
– HPV test: Specifically looks for the presence of high-risk HPV types in cervical cells.
4. How Do You Prevent HPV Infection?
– Vaccination:
– HPV Vaccine: Receiving the HPV vaccine (e.g., Gardasil or Gardasil 9) is one of the most effective ways to prevent HPV infections and related cancers. It is recommended for preteens (ages 10) and can be given up to age 26 or beyond in some cases.
– Safe Sex Practices:
– Condom Use: Using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but they do not provide complete protection since HPV can also infect areas not covered by condoms.
– Limiting Sexual Partners: Having fewer sexual partners can lower the risk of HPV exposure.
– Regular Health Check-ups: Women should have regular cervical cancer screenings (Pap tests and HPV tests) as recommended by healthcare providers, especially from age 21 onward. This helps in the early detection of HPV-related abnormalities.
– Open Communication: Discussing sexual health with partners and being informed about each other’s sexual history can aid in making safe practices more effective.
5. What to Do If Infected?
– Monitoring: If diagnosed with a high-risk type of HPV, healthcare providers may recommend regular screenings to monitor for any changes in cervical cells.
– Treatment: While there is no cure for the virus itself, many HPV infections are cleared by the immune system over time. Abnormal cell changes (precancerous lesions) can be treated effectively, and any associated health issues (like warts) can be managed by a healthcare provider.
