All You Need to Know About HPV
Human papillomavirus is a viral infection passed from person to person through direct skin contact. Over 1,000 varieties of HPV exist, of which more than 40 are passed through sexual contact. Infections are highly prevalent. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
We will now answer fundamental inquiries concerning this infection, encompassing its nature, means of transmission, and the complications it entails.
Let's get started.
What is HPV?
It is the name for the virus associated with warts (including genital warts). Warts can occur anywhere on the body, including hands, feet (plantar warts), and genitals. Genital or anal warts (condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are an extremely common example of an infection.
While it is associated with warts, many display no symptoms or resolve spontaneously within two years. More concerning is the association with cancer. Specific virus strains are associated with certain body regions.
Most of these strains are non-cancerous — however, a few can cause precancerous lesions. For example, almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to HPV16 and HPV18, and HPV6 and HPV11 can cause genital warts.
How is HPV Transmitted?
Like many STIs, this infection is spread through skin-to-skin contact. Most people acquire it from direct sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Intercourse is not required for transmission — any skin-to-skin contact can result in an infection.
Because many infected individuals are asymptomatic, people can infect others unknowingly. That's likely a key reason for its high prevalence. Moreover, you can contract multiple strains of it, increasing the risk of infection and spread.
Last, while a mother cannot pass HPV onto their child during pregnancy, it can occur during delivery. This condition is called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and involves HPV-related warts inside the child's throat or airways.
Identifying HPV Infections
In nine out of ten people, this infection resolves spontaneously within two years without any complications. Most of these people will experience no symptoms. A small minority, however, will contract either genital warts, other warts, or more serious conditions, like cervical cancer or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (or laryngeal papillomatosis).
Observable symptoms of genital warts include a small (1-5 mm) growth around the genital or anal region. The growth may be flat against the skin's surface or on a small stalk. Some may also be hard ("keratinized") or soft and variable in color — they may even bleed.
While most primary care doctors will diagnose genital warts based on your history and a visual examination, a biopsy can be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Can Genital Warts Cause Cancer?
No. While certain cancers and genital warts are caused by HPV, the strain of it differs. It often takes years, even decades, to develop even in people infected with a potentially cancerous strain.
We cannot identify those at risk of cancer from this infection. People with a compromised immune system may be less able to battle it, but the research remains inconclusive.
Should You Get the HPV Vaccine?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent it. Most vaccines cover types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 — and so defend against both the strains associated with genital warts and cancer. These vaccines are highly effective. Gardasil 9, for example, can potentially prevent 90% of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers.
According to the CDC, HPV vaccination is recommended for:
All preteens at age 11 or 12 years
Everyone younger than 26 years old
Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than 26 years. However, in certain cases, people between the ages of 27 and 46 may decide to get the vaccine after speaking to their doctor if the risk of new HPV infections is significant.
For those unvaccinated who are sexually active, practicing safe sex with a condom lowers the risk of this infection. However, the condom only protects the covered areas and does not fully protect against it.
Women between the ages of 21 and 65 are also recommended to undergo cervical cancer screening — especially if they were infected with HPV16 or HPV18.
Final Thoughts
Take action against Human papillomavirus, a cluster of viral strains known to cause common warts, genital warts, and various cancers. HPV arises through direct skin-to-skin contact, often without noticeable symptoms, heightening the likelihood of transmission.
Protect yourself by proactively getting the vaccine, substantially reducing the chances of developing specific cancers and genital warts. Safeguard your health and reduce the risks—get vaccinated against this infection today with OSRA Medical.