What is human papilloma virus?
HPV is a common virus that causes genital warts. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is the
most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States.
Approximately 20 million people have been exposed to HPV and
about 5.5 million Americans are infected each year—yet,
because many experience no symptoms
or health problems, the vast majority are unaware of their
condition.
More than 100 different types
of HPV exist, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are
spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause genital
warts—single
or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas of men and
women including the vagina, cervix, vulva (area outside of
the vagina), penis, and rectum. Many people infected with HPV
have no symptoms.
There are high-risk and low-risk types
of HPV. High-risk HPV may cause abnormal Pap smear results
(a test for abnormal or cancerous cells on the anus or cervix),
and could lead to cancers of the anus, penis, cervix, vulva
or vagina. Low-risk HPV also may cause abnormal Pap results
or genital warts.
Factors known to increase
the risk of contracting the infection include:
- Unprotected sex with multiple sex partners, sharing share
sex toys, or having sex with someone who has multiple partners
known to be infected with HPV.
- Smoking cigarettes: increases the risk of developing symptoms;
including cancerous conditions.
- Impaired immune system: if
you have HIV infection
or an impaired immune system for any other reason you increase
your risk for infection and complications HPV.
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What are the symptoms of human papilloma virus?
Most people don’t know they’ve been infected
with HPV because there are no physical symptoms. However, some
people develop genital and/or anal warts that may be raised or
flat.
Warts can appear within weeks or months of the time of
infection. In women, warts can grow outside the vagina or vulva,
or in or around the anus. In men, they can appear on the penis,
scrotum, thigh or in and around the anus. In rare cases, genital
warts can grow in the mouth or throat of a person who has been
infected orally. Often, the warts present no symptoms—but,
may sometimes cause pain or itching.
Almost all cases of precancerous changes in the cervix are caused
by HPV, putting women at high risk for cervical cancer. In addition,
HPV has been linked to cancers of anus, vulva, vagina, penis
and even the oropharynx (middle part of throat).
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Why get checked?
Getting checked for HPV is easy.
By getting checked regularly (every 6 months) you can get
treatment before HPV becomes a problem. You’ll also be
protecting your sexual partners and the Boston community.
There are a couple options for getting checked for
HPV:
- Visit a testing
site to get checked (via a visual exam) for HPV
- Get checked at your own health care provider's office or
health center
- Some testing sites or health care providers/health centers
may offer an anal cytology for HPV
Diagnosis usually includes a visual examination by your health
care provider for genital warts. Men and women may also be diagnosed
with Pap smear screening, used to test for precancerous cells.
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How is human papilloma virus treated?
There is no cure for HPV, however, over time the body
may rid itself of the virus on its own. For removing genital
or anal warts, several treatments are available including freezing
the warts (cryotherapy), chemicals and acids, minor surgery performed
in the physician’s office, laser surgery, electrocautery
(burning off warts with an electrical current) and interferon
(a protein injected into the wart).
If you are HIV-positive or
your immune system is compromised for any reason, you should
see your doctor regularly.
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How can I protect myself and my partners from HPV?
If you are sexually active, make getting checked for
HPV part of your routine. Some experts believe that men
who have anal sex (specifically bottoms) should get a cancer-screening
test of the anus. In addition, use condoms, consider limiting
the number of sexual partners, avoid sex or skin to skin contact
with a partner with genital warts, never share sex toys and know
each partner’s sexual history.
Condoms and dental dams may reduce the risk of transmitting HPV,
but virus may spread from areas a condom or dam doesn’t
cover.
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What do I need to know about HPV and HIV?
If you are HIV-positive and think you’ve been
exposed, you should get checked and get treatment right away.
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