5 Things You Need to Know About Human Papillomavirus or HPV

1. What is HPV?

HPV has over 100 different strains or types, of which 40 are sexually transmitted. HPV is responsible for 99% of cervical cancers and genital warts. There are high risk strains that cause cervical cancer, and approximately 10,000 American women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year.

2. How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is spread by the skin to skin contact including genital, oral or anal contact. On the other hand, you cannot get HPV from touching an object like a toilet. Condoms do not completely protect you from contracting HPV because genital skin is not entirely covered.

3. Who is at risk for getting HPV?

Sexually active individuals are at risk for contracting HPV and it is the most common sexually transmitted disease. The risk increases with multiple sex partners. Within two years, most individuals who acquire HPV will remain asymptomatic and clear it on their own. However, 10% of high risk strains will linger causing changes in the cervical cells that eventually turn into cancer. HPV can also infect the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis resulting in cancer in these areas, although less frequently than cervical cancer.
It is projected that 50-75% of sexually active individuals will contract a genital HPV infection before age 50.

4. Can HPV be prevented?

In the United States the vaccine, Gardisil, helps protect against HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18. Types 6 and 11 are low risk and known to cause genital warts, whereas, 16 and 18 are high risk strains that are responsible for cervical cancer.
The vaccine is recommended for females between ages nine and 26 years. The vaccine should be given before becoming sexually active for optimal effectiveness. Vaccinated women should continue to have screening pap smears as the vaccine does not protect against all known strains that cause cancer.
It is not currently indicated for males, but the safety and efficacy for men are now under study.

5. Is there a test for HPV?

There is not a general test that can detect if you have HPV. However, genital warts can be visualized and diagnosed by a health care provider. Also, routine pap smears can detect abnormal cervical cells and consequently high risk HPV. Women with cervical cell abnormalities will require close monitoring and further intervention such as colposcopy.
For further information please contact your health care provider and check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm.