What is HPV?

HPV stands for “human papillomavirus”. There are around 200 types of HPV and many are sexually transmitted. Some HPV types only infect the genital region, some can cause warts and others can cause life-threatening cancers such as cervical cancer and cancer of the penis, anus, vagina, vulva and throat.

How is HPV spread?

HPV infects skin cells and is spread through skin-to-skin contact. The HPV types that infect the genital region, anus and throat are spread through sexual contact.

How to avoid HPV

Avoiding HPV entirely can be difficult- about 80% of sexually active people can get at least one genital HPV infection at some point in their lives! But there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk: 

1) If you are eligible get vaccinated. Vaccination prevents the most dangerous HPV infections and some vaccines also prevent genital warts.

2) Consistent condom use can reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of getting HPV.

3) Reduce the number of sexual partners that you have.

Only a small fraction of people who get HPV develop cancer, so having HPV does not mean that you will get cancer! However, it is important to reduce the risk of getting HPV by being vaccinated.

There are so many types of HPV and HPV is extremely common. Most of the time, HPV is untreated and resolves on its own.

In addition, it is only certain types (e.g. 16 and 18 and some other types) that are associated with cancer and even then, in many cases, HPV may resolve and  not progress to cancer.

A number of risk factors contribute to progression of HPV i.e.

  • Women with HIV are more vulnerable to persistent HPV which can then go on to develop into cervical (and other) cancers.

N/B:  Most cervical cancers are related to HPV infection but not all HPV infection leads to cervical cancer.

Be on the lookout for these common signs:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Continuous vaginal discharges
  • Menstrual periods becoming heavier and lasting longer than usual
  • Vaginal bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause

While these symptoms can of course be related to other causes, if you experience any of these symptoms it is best to seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.

N/B: Much of the information about HPV focus on women due to the risk of getting cervical cancer. But HPV virus in men can cause health problems, too. 

HPV infection can increase a man's risk of getting genital cancers, although not common. HPV can also cause genital warts in men, just as in women.

Some of the types of HPV associated with genital cancers can lead to cancer of the anus or penis in men. Both of these cancer types are rare, especially in men with a healthy immune system. Oftenly in men the virus resolves in its own.

You can reduce your risk of getting HPV by getting vaccinated if you are eligible, using condoms and reducing the number of sexual partners that you have. You can also reduce your risk of getting cancer if you’ve already been infected with HPV by getting screened.