Understanding HPV: Human Papillomavirus Explained

What is HPV? An Overview

HPV, also known as human papillomavirus, is a very common virus spread via intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an individual that has the virus, even if they aren’t presenting with any symptoms. As a result, almost everyone will contract HPV at least once, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Roughly 13 million people in the US get HPV yearly.
It is important to note that while some HPV ends up being harmless, it can sometimes lead to cancer later in life. More than 42 million Americans currently have the HPV that can cause disease. Thus, it is important to be vigilant and take proper precautions to prevent and treat HPV (1).

The Different Types of HPV and Their Effects

There are actually over 200 types of HPV-related viruses; so, when is HPV harmful, and when is it not? The seriousness of HPV will depend on the type, which is either low- or high-risk.

• Low-risk HPV. Low-risk forms of HPV rarely cause cancer. However, they may still cause warts on or around the genitals, mouth, anus, or throat. Warts in the respiratory tract or larynx can cause something known as respiratory papillomatosis, which can lead to breathing issues.
• High-risk HPV. High-risk forms of HPV are those that can cause different types of cancer. There are 12 types of high-risk HPVs, which include 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59. HPV 16 and 18 most frequently cause cancer.

Roughly half of all infections are considered high-risk HPV. However, most HPV infections will clear without causing any type of cancer because the immune system fights them off (2).

Symptoms and Signs of HPV Infection

The majority of people with HPV won’t have any symptoms or health issues. However, HPV can sometimes cause genital warts or cancer. If HPV has turned into cancer, you may experience the following symptoms:

• vulvar cancer – changes in thickness or color of the skin, itching, chronic pain, or lumps;
• penile cancer – changes in thickness or color of the skin, painful sores;
• anal cancer – pain, itching, bleeding, discharge, bowel changes; and
• throat cancer – Ear pain, sore throat, coughing, weight loss, a lump in the neck (3).

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a health-care provider immediately.

How HPV Is Transmitted: Facts and Myths

There’s a lot of confusion around how HPV may be transmitted. Let’s clear up the facts by reviewing what’s true and what’s not when it comes to HPV transmission.

• Myth 1: HPV is only transmitted through sexual intercourse.
  Fact: HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, which means that it can be spread through sexual activity other than intercourse. This includes skin-to-skin or skin-to-mucosa contact, including penile-oral, vaginal-oral, penile-anal, and vaginal-penile sex (2).
• Myth 2: You can only get HPV if you’ve had multiple sexual partners.
  Fact: HPV can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, regardless of how many sexual partners you have had. Even if you’ve only had one sexual partner, you can still contract HPV if your partner is infected.
• Myth 3: Condoms completely protect you from HPV.
  Fact: Using condoms correctly can lower your risk of getting HPV, however, it doesn’t prevent the risk entirely (2).
• Myth 4: HPV is only a concern for women.
  Fact: HPV affects both men and women. While HPV is linked to cervical cancer in women, it can cause other cancers such as throat, penile, and anal cancers in men.
• Myth 5: The HPV vaccine is only for teenagers.
  Fact: Although it’s recommended that the HPV vaccine is given to children from the ages of 11 or 12, it can still be beneficial for older adults to prevent cancer and genital warts.
• Myth 6: If you have HPV, you will definitely get cancer.
  Fact: The majority of HPV infections will be cleared by the body’s immune system and won’t cause long-term health issues. Only a small percentage of HPV infections cause cancer. Additionally, regular screenings and vaccinations can prevent HPV-related cancer.
• Myth 7: Only women can contract HPV.
  Fact: Both men and women can get HPV.

HPV and Cancer: Understanding the Connection, Prevention, and Vaccination

Every year, HPV leads to around 36,000 cases of cancer in both women and men; vaccination is one of the best ways to effectively and safely protect yourself. The vaccine works best when given before any exposure to the virus, which is why it’s recommended for those aged 11 to 12.

How effective is vaccination? Vaccination has the potential to prevent as much as 90% of HPV-related cancers. Since the vaccines were rolled out in 2006, the incidences of HPV-related cancers and genital warts have declined as much as 88% in teen girls and 81% in young adult women in the US (4).

Diagnosing HPV: Tests and Procedures

An important part of preventing and diagnosing HPV is screening, which involves checking for HPV even when there aren’t any symptoms. Cervical cancer screening is a routine part of health care, which involves an HPV test that checks cervical cells for high-risk HPV, a pap smear that detects cervical cell changes, or a combination HPV/pap co-test that checks for both. Anal pap tests can sometimes be done, however, there are no screening tests for oropharyngeal, penile, or vaginal cancer (3).

Treatment Options for HPV and Related Conditions

HPV will usually go away on its own. However, HPV can also cause dysplasia, which is the abnormal growth of cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, vaginal, penile, or vulvar cells. Moderate- to high-grade dysplasias should be treated in the following ways:

• cervical dysplasia – this is addressed using a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cold knife colonization.
• anal, penile, vulvar, or vaginal dysplasia – these are treated with surgery or topical therapies (3).

Living with HPV: Tips and Support

Here are some general tips and strategies to deal with HPV:

• Follow medical advice. Make sure to have regular check-ups with your health-care provider as they will be able to monitor you for potential changes and institute treatment appropriately.
• Practice safe sex. Using condoms or dental dams can lower the risk of transmitting HPV, even if they don’t provide complete protection.
• Communicate with partners. Open communication with your sexual partners can help to manage expectations and prevent spreading the virus.

Abortion and HPV

If you are considering an abortion, you might be concerned about how HPV could impact the procedure. HPV does not affect the safety or outcome of an abortion. However, it’s important to let your health-care provider know about your condition so they can monitor you properly and ensure you receive the best care.

For reliable abortion resources and counseling, visit safe2choose.

Frequently Asked Questions About HPV

Can HPV be cured?

There is no cure for HPV itself, but the virus often clears up on its own without causing health problems. Treatments are available for the health issues caused by HPV, such as warts or abnormal cell changes.

How can I prevent HPV?

The HPV vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection from the most common and dangerous strains of HPV. Using condoms and practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens aged 11-12, but it is also beneficial for older teens and young adults up to age 26. In some cases, adults up to age 45 can also benefit from the vaccine.