WHAT IS HPV?
HPV, which stands for Human Papillomavirus, is a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans.
It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. HPV can affect both men and women and is typically spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
There are over 200 different types of HPV, and they are categorized into two main groups based on their risk of causing health problems:
Low-Risk HPV: These types of HPV are responsible for non-cancerous conditions, such as genital warts (condylomata acuminata). They do not typically lead to cancer.
High-Risk HPV: These types of HPV are associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and oropharyngeal (throat and mouth) cancers. In particular, HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer.
Most people who are infected with HPV do not experience any symptoms, and their immune systems clear the infection within a year or two. However, in some cases, the virus can persist and lead to health issues, especially when it involves high-risk HPV types.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It is a highly contagious virus that can infect various parts of the body, including the genitals, mouth, and throat. Here are some common ways in which HPV can be transmitted:
Sexual Contact: HPV is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Even if there are no visible warts or symptoms, the virus can still be passed from one person to another.
Genital-to-Genital Contact: Direct contact between the genital areas, such as the penis and vulva or scrotum and labia, can lead to HPV transmission.
Oral Sex: HPV can be transmitted through oral-genital contact, including performing or receiving oral sex on the genitals or the mouth and throat.
Non-Penetrative Sexual Activity: While less common, HPV can be transmitted through non-penetrative sexual activities where there is skin-to-skin contact, such as genital-to-genital or genital-to-anal contact.
Touching Genital Warts: HPV types that cause genital warts can be transmitted through direct contact with the warts themselves. It’s important to note that genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types and do not typically lead to cancer.
Vertical Transmission: Infected mothers can potentially transmit HPV to their newborns during childbirth, although this is relatively rare.
Sharing Personal Items: While less common, it’s theoretically possible to transmit HPV through shared personal items like towels or razors, especially if these items come into contact with an area infected with HPV.
It’s important to understand that HPV is highly prevalent, and most sexually active individuals will contract at least one type of HPV in their lifetime. However, not all HPV infections lead to health problems, and the majority clear up on their own without causing any symptoms or long-term consequences.
To reduce the risk of HPV transmission, practicing safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity can be effective. Additionally, getting vaccinated against HPV can help protect against the most common cancer-causing HPV types.
Regular screening with pelvic exams and follow-up for genital cancer (through Pap smears and HPV tests) can also detect and manage precancerous changes caused by high-risk HPV types.