HPV
What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
How common is HPV?
How is HPV infection spread?
What diseases does HPV infection cause?
How does HPV cause cancer of the cervix?
Are there screening tests for cervical cancer?
Can HPV infection be prevented?
What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
- HPV can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact
- More than 100 types of HPV have been found
- About 30 of these types infect the genital areas of men and women
- They spread through sexual contact.
- HPV is a very common virus
- At least three out of four people who have sex will get a genital HPV infection at some time during their lives.
- It is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Sexual intercourse is not required for infection to occur
- HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact
- Sexual contact with an infected partner is the most common way it spreads
- Like many other STDs there are often no signs or symptoms of infection.
What diseases does HPV infection cause?
- Approximately 12 types of HPV cause genital warts
- Growths may appear on the outside or inside of the vagina
- Growth on the penis can spread to nearby skin
- Genital warts can grow around the anus, on the vulva, or on the cervix
- Approximately 15 types of HPV are linked to cancer involving:
- Anus
- Cervix
- Vulva
- Vagina
- Penis
- They can cause cancer of the head and neck
- These types are known as “high-risk types”.
How does HPV cause cancer of the cervix?
- The cervix is covered by a thin layer of tissue made up of cells
- If HPV is present, it may enter these cells
- Infected cells may become abnormal and grow differently
- Changes in these cells may progress to what is known as precancer
- Changes in the thin tissue covering the cervix
- They are also called dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
- In most women, the immune system destroys the virus before it causes cancer
- In some women, HPV is not destroyed by the immune system and does not go away
- In these cases, HPV can lead to cancer or, more commonly, precancer.
Are there screening tests for cervical cancer?
It usually takes years for cervical cancer to develop. During this time, HPV infection can cause cells on or around the cervix to become abnormal. A Pap test can detect early signs of abnormal cell changes of the cervix. This allows early treatment so they do not become cancer. An HPV test also is available. This is used along with the Pap test in women 30 years and older. This is also used as a follow-up test for women whose Pap tests show abnormal or uncertain results. The HPV test can identify at least 13 of the high-risk types of HPV.
Can HPV infection be prevented?
Young women can prevent certain types of HPV infection by being vaccinated.
The following methods also help decrease the chance of infection:
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- Use condoms to reduce your risk
- Condoms cannot fully protect you against HPV infection
- HPV can be passed from person to person by touching infected areas not covered by a condom
- These areas may include skin in the genital or anal areas
- Female condoms cover more skin and may provide a little more protection than male condoms.