Cervical Cancer

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. It is passed on by skin-to-skin contact at the genital area. At least 50% of sexually active men and women will get HPV infection at some time in their lives. There are more than 30 to 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas. Of all these, there are 4 types of the virus you should really know about. That’s because they cause the most cases of HPV-related diseases in men and women.

 Who can get HPV?

Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person is at risk of being infected with HPV. Both men and women may get it — and pass it on– without knowing it. Since there might not be any signs and symptoms, a person may have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sex with an infected person.

What diseases can be caused by HPV?

For most, the body’s immune system will clear the virus on its own. However, when it doesn’t, HPV infection can lead to diseases:

What should I know about cervical cancer?

All women should get regular Pap smear. Pap smear looks for cell changes caused by HPV. The test finds cell changes early — so the cervix can be treated before the cells turn cancerous. This test can also detect cancer in its early stages so it can be treated before it becomes too serious.

What should I know about vaginal or vulvar cancer?

Vaginal cancer is cancer of the vagina (birth canal). Vulvar cancer is cancer of the clitoris, vaginal lips, and opening to the vagina. Both of these kinds of cancer are very rare. Not all vaginal or vulvar cancer is caused by HPV.

What should I know about genital warts?

Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) are also known as “cauliflower-like” growths. They are moist, soft and typically skin-colored, and can develop in the genital area in men and women within weeks or months after HPV infection.

Treatment for genital warts can be a painful process, and can involve cutting, freezing, or burning of the warts. Even after treatment, genital warts can recur or the virus might still be there, and may be passed on to others.

How common are genital warts?

Genital warts are very contagious. About 2/3 of people who have sexual contact with an infected partner will develop them, usually within 3 months. The highest rates of genital warts occur among men and women aged 18-28 years and the prevalence is rising in younger age group (e.g., 15-19), and elderly individuals.

What are the health problems caused by HPV in men?

HPV is passed on through genital contact—most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex. Most men who get HPV (of any type) never develop any symptoms or health problems. But some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types can cause penile, anal, or head and neck cancers.

What are the options to help prevent cervical cancer, genital warts and HPV infections?

• Routine Pap smear screening.
• Abstinence from all sexual activities.
• Maintaining a monogamous relationship with someone who has had no other or few sex partners or limiting the number of sexual partners may reduce the risk of getting HPV. The fewer partners your partner has had, the less likely he/she is to have HPV.
• Condom may help reduce but is not fully protective against infection.

 

What about HPV vaccination?

HPV vaccination may help to prevent HPV infection and reduce the risk of cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer in females, and genital warts in males and females.

It is important to note that women who have already been vaccinated still need to go for regular Pap smear screening.

Do everything you can.
Talk to your doctor today about HPV vaccination.
Get vaccinated now.

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