Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

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What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus. There are many different types of HPV—some cause warts, while other types of HPV have been associated with cancer of the cervix in women, the penis in men as well as cancer of the throat and anus

How do you get HPV?

You can get HPV by having unprotected oral, vaginal, anal, or digital (finger) sex
with a person who already has the virus.

How can you tell if you have HPV?

Some people who have HPV do not have any signs of infection. You can pass the virus to someone else without even knowing it.
You might notice:
Small, hard bumps (like cauliflower) on your vagina (inside or outside), penis, scrotum, anus or thighs

How do you get tested for HPV?

A health care provider can tell if you have genital warts by looking at them or by putting a vinegar solution on the area to see if any wart tissue shows up.

A regular Pap test checks your cervix for changes that may be related to HPV. This screening should be initiated within three (3) years of the first sexual activity (vaginal intercourse, vaginal/oral, or vaginal/digital activity).

If a PAP test shows that HPV has caused changes to your cervix, you may need to see a specialist for treatment.

How is HPV treated?

Genital warts can be treated with a liquid, frozen with dry ice, burned off or surgically removed. Most HPV infections will clear with or without treatment within 2 years.

Treatment of the warts may speed up clearing of the infection, however recurrences are common. Treatment also lowers the risk of passing genital warts to others

How do you protect yourself and others?

• Abstain from sex or limit your number of sex partners
• Ask your partner(s) to be tested before you have sex
• Always use a condom or barrier for vaginal, oral and anal sex—it will provide some protection against HPV
• Always wash hands thoroughly before engaging in digital sex
• Get an STI check up—especially if you’ve had a new sex partner, more than one sex partner, or suspect you have an infection
• Make informed decisions by talking to your partner about his/her sexual health and the use of protection, BEFORE having sex
  
  There is a vaccine called Gardasil that can protect both men and women against four types of HPV infections—types 6 and 11 (common cause of genital warts), and 16 and 18 (common cause of cervical cancer).

Is follow-up necessary?

Yes. If you have had treatment for genital warts it is important to return for a check up to make sure they are gone.

Who can you talk to if you have more questions?
If you have concerns or questions call and ask for Sexual Health, or visit our youth website at: 
www.thephakz.ca
or the health unit website at: 
http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org

Reference:
Canadian Guidelines on Sexually
Transmitted Infections 2008