Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, with millions of new cases each year. Although often asymptomatic, some types of HPV can cause serious health problems, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and genital warts. With proper vaccination and regular screening, many of the negative effects of HPV can be prevented. This article will take a deeper look at HPV, how it is transmitted, and effective steps to prevent and detect it early.
Understanding What HPV Is
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a non-enveloped, double-stranded, circular DNA virus in the Papillomaviridae family. HPV infection is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths (warts). This infection is often transmitted sexually or through other skin-to-skin contact. There are over 100 types of HPV, and individuals with persistent HPV infection and those with multiple sexual partners are at very high risk of contracting more HPV subtypes. Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause warts, and some types can lead to various types of cancer.
Recognize the Symptoms of HPV
Most HPV infections cause no symptoms at all. Many people can be infected for years without knowing it. In some cases, HPV causes warts to grow on the genitals, mouth, or throat. Genital warts are rough, cauliflower-like bumps that grow on your skin. However, high-risk types of HPV can cause cell changes in the cervix or other parts of the body that can develop into cancer if they have other triggers and are not treated promptly.
Who Can Get HPV?
Anyone can get HPV through sexual contact or skin-to-skin genital contact with a partner who has the virus. Similarly, anyone who has the virus can transmit it to their partner during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or through other close genital contact.
How is it transmitted?
HPV infection occurs when the virus enters the body, usually through a cut, abrasion, or small break in the skin. The virus is mainly transferred through skin-to-skin contact. Genital HPV infections are spread through sexual intercourse, anal sex, and other skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. Some HPV infections that cause lesions in the mouth or upper respiratory tract are spread through oral sex. If you are pregnant and have an HPV infection with genital warts, there is a chance that your baby can get them. Rarely, the infection can cause noncancerous growths in the baby's voice box (larynx).
Who is at risk for HPV infection?
Number of Sexual Partners: Having more sexual partners increases the likelihood of getting genital HPV.
Age: Common warts are most common in children, while genital warts are most common in teens and young adults.
Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those taking immune-suppressing drugs after an organ transplant, are at greater risk for HPV infection.
Broken skin: Areas of skin that have been punctured or broken are more likely to develop common warts.
Personal contact: Touching someone else's warts or not using protection before touching a surface that has been exposed to HPV, such as a public bathroom or swimming pool, can increase your risk of HPV infection.
Can HPV Infection Cause Cancer?
HPV has been linked to cancers of the larynx, mouth, lung, and anogenital area. Subtypes 6 and 11 are low risk and usually result in condylomata and low-grade precancerous lesions. On the other hand, subtypes 16 and 18 are the most common high-risk types associated with cervical cancer, leading to high-grade intraepithelial lesions that can progress to malignancy. Cervical cancer typically develops slowly over many years following a long-standing HPV infection. Early detection through Pap smears and HPV testing is crucial for preventing cervical cancer. It's important to note that HPV alone does not cause cancer but requires triggers such as smoking, folate deficiency, UV exposure, immune suppression, and pregnancy.
How to Detect HPV Infection?
Detecting HPV infection can be done through various methods, primarily through laboratory tests and routine screening, particularly for women. Here are some ways to detect HPV infection:
Pap Smear: This test screens for cervical cancer and precancerous cells that can develop into cancer (cervical dysplasia) if left untreated. Cells from the cervix are collected and examined under a microscope for signs of abnormalities. If the results are abnormal, further testing may be necessary to determine if HPV is the cause.
HPV Screening (PCR): This test helps detect the presence of high-risk HPV types, particularly those associated with cervical cancer (such as HPV types 16 and 18). In this examination, a sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined in the laboratory using the PCR method to determine if there is a high-risk HPV infection.
HPV Genotyping: This test helps identify specific types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that may be present in samples from the cervix or other genital areas that are associated with a high risk of developing cancer, especially cervical cancer.
Who Should Get an HPV Test?
For women aged 30 and older, it is recommended to undergo high-risk HPV screening as part of a routine health checkup.
For women aged 21-29, routine Pap smears are recommended. HPV testing is not usually recommended for this age group unless the Pap smear is abnormal.
As for men, there is currently no routine HPV screening. However, men who are sexually active or have symptoms of genital warts should see a doctor.
How to Prevent HPV Infection?
Preventing HPV virus transmission can be achieved through the following steps:
Vaccination between the ages of 9 and 14 is highly effective in preventing HPV infection, cervical cancer, and other HPV-related cancers.
Screening from the age of 30 (25 for women living with HIV) can detect cervical disease, which, if treated, can also prevent cervical cancer.
Using protection (condoms) during sexual activity can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
Avoiding multiple sexual partners and engaging in sexual activity with partners who are not infected or have been vaccinated can reduce the risk of transmission.
Undergoing routine checks regularly to detect HPV infection. For women, early detection can identify changes in cervical cells caused by HPV that may be at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can lead to various health issues, such as genital warts and certain types of cancers, particularly cervical cancer. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity and often does not show any symptoms. Educating people about HPV and increasing public awareness about preventive measures are crucial aspects of public health initiatives. By focusing on prevention and early detection, the risk of severe complications from HPV infection can be minimized. K-LAB Medical Center offers screening services to identify HPV infection at an early stage. It's important to prioritize regular health check-ups, at least once a year, at K-LAB clinic to detect and promptly address HPV infection. You can contact us at 081381367915.
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