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Human
Papillomavirus (HPV) |
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What
is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human
papillomavirus is a common virus that affects both
females and males. There are more than 100 different
types of HPV. Certain types of HPV cause common
warts on hands and feet. Most types of HPV do not
cause any signs or symptoms, and go away without
treatment. |
The
WHO
estimated that
630
Million
people had genital HPV
in 2001 |
About 30 types of HPV are known as genital
HPV because they affect the genital area.
Some types cause cells in the lining of the cervix
to change. If not treated, these abnormal cells
can sometimes turn into cancer cells. Other types
of HPV can cause genital warts and benign (abnormal
but noncancerous) changes in the cervix. Many
types of HPV infections can cause abnormal Pap
tests.
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How
common is HPV?
HPV is probably more common than
you think. In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated
that about 630 million people in the world (9%–13%) were infected
with HPV. |
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Who
gets genital HPV?
Anyone who has any kind of sexual
activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV. It
is possible to get the virus without having intercourse.
Because many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms,
they can transmit the virus without even knowing it.
HPV is highly contagious, so it’s possible to be exposed to
the virus only once to get it. It is estimated that many
people get HPV within their first 2 to 3 years of becoming sexually
active. Two thirds of all people who have sexual contact with
an infected partner will develop an HPV infection within 3 months,
according to the WHO. |
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Does
everyone who has HPV get cervical cancer or genital warts?
No—for
the majority of people who have HPV, the body’s defenses are
enough to clear the virus. However, for some people, certain
types of the virus can develop into genital warts or benign
(abnormal but noncancerous) changes in the cervix.
And for women who don't clear certain types of the virus,
abnormal changes can occur in the lining of the cervix. These
abnormal cells, if not detected or treated, can lead to precancers
and cancer. Most often, the development of cervical cancer
can take a number of years, although in rare cases it can
happen within a year. That's why early detection is so important.
Talk to your healthcare professional about a Pap test (also
known as a Papanicolaou smear), which can help detect suspicious
cell changes in the cervix.
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If
HPV has no signs or symptoms, how can I know I have it?
Because HPV usually does not
show any signs or symptoms, you probably won’t know you have
it. Most women learn they have HPV after receiving an abnormal
Pap test. A Pap test (also known as a Papanicolaou smear) is
part of a gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells
in the lining of the cervix. Doctors perform Pap tests to find
and treat these abnormal cervical cells before they have the
chance to turn into precancers or cancer. Many HPV-related abnormal
cells and cervical precancers can be treated successfully if
detected early. In fact, cervical cancer is one of the most
preventable cancers. That’s why it’s important to follow your
healthcare professional’s recommendation about Pap tests.
Another test (the HPV DNA test) is available that can detect
certain types of HPV that might cause cervical cancer. The results
of this test can help healthcare professionals decide if further
testing or treatment is necessary. |
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How
can I decrease my risk of getting genital HPV?
To help prevent
a new genital HPV infection, avoid any sexual activity that
involves genital contact, or limit your number of sexual
partners. Condoms may help reduce the risk of getting an HPV
infection. Because condoms do not cover all areas of the genital
region, they cannot completely prevent infection. |
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This
site is intended for residents of The Philippines. |
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