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What is HPV?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of over 100 infections that frequently are symptom free. Approximately 30% of this group are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that result in contact from an infected partner. One cannot prevent HPV by using condoms, since the virus may be present on skin surrounding the genitals.

HPV has recently received a great deal of attention because it is now known that some forms of HPV cause all forms of cervical cancer. HPV is often not noted by those infected. In some instances forms of HPV will result in genital warts that may be present on the genitals or around the anus, but frequently HPV presents no symptoms, or such insignificant symptoms that they are ignored by those infected.

HPV is most often diagnosed through a pap smear.
HPV is most often diagnosed through a pap smear.

HPV has no current cure. Oral medications may temporarily cause the warts to resolve. Yet like Herpes, the warts may also recur and need to be retreated at a later date. The real goal in treatment is to make the patient aware of the potential risks associated with HPV, since most diagnoses occur in the presence of an abnormal PAP smear test.

The PAP is part of what should be a yearly gynecological exam for women. It takes a tiny amount of tissue from the cervix, which is then examined by a lab to determine if any abnormal cells exist. Sometimes abnormal cells occur once only and never recur. In other cases, future pap smears will show continuing spread of abnormal cells indicating cervical cancer.

Having multiple partners increases a person's risk of HPV.
Having multiple partners increases a person's risk of HPV.

When genital warts are not present, the PAP is the only way to test for HPV. No test exists for men, which is unfortunate, since HPV may also cause penile cancer. In the absence of available testing, caution with sexual partners is urged by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the US. They suggest that if one chooses to be sexually active, they should do so with a long-term monogamous partner.

Women who have HPV should get annual pap smears to check for cancerous cells.
Women who have HPV should get annual pap smears to check for cancerous cells.

If one has multiple partners, one increases risk of contracting HPV. If a partner is aware that in the past, he or she has had genital warts, or an abnormal pap smear, it is only fair to communicate this to any potential partners to reduce risk to them. Unfortunately, one cannot be assured that a potential partner does not have HPV since testing methods are limited.

Condom use may offer some protection from spreading the human papilloma virus, but not if it is present on the skin surrounding the genitals.
Condom use may offer some protection from spreading the human papilloma virus, but not if it is present on the skin surrounding the genitals.

The risk of sexually transmitted HPV is further spread by ignorance. Sexually active teens tend not to realize that any type of contact with another person’s genitals can transmit HPV, and that most STDs can be spread without sexual intercourse. Lack of access to appropriate care and counseling should a teen become sexually active usually leads to teens being misinformed about the risk of sexual contact of any kind.

Some forms of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
Some forms of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

Since HPV is now indicated in a serious type of cancer, scientists are actively working to better methods for HPV diagnosis. There is also research into a possible vaccine at a future date. For now, the medical community is exerting its efforts toward education of the public about HPV, so that women will be certain not to skip their recommended yearly gynecological exams. The CDC also recommends that all who have genital warts or who have had contact with someone with HPV should discuss this with their physicians.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon360004

HPV cannot be detected with a Pap smear that shows only abnormal cells, which can be inflammation, cervicitis, and non-HPV causes.

Not all abnormal cells are caused by HPV. However, HPV can be detected with a DNA HPV test. A doctor cannot tell if you have HPV without this test. The HPV test will show if you have high or low risk strains. HPV 16 and 18 have been the HPV most associated to coexist, but not proven to be the cause of cancer. Also, high risk strains, including HPV 16 and HPV 18 strains can regress on their own by beefing up the immune system. See Research by T. Wright, M.D.

FastPaced

It can take up to six months for physical symptoms of HPV to appear after being infected with the virus.

The acid wart removal is extremely painful and must be performed once a week for several weeks in order to be effective. Do not shave the pubic hair when infected with HPV as this spreads the virus all over the genital area (vagina/penis, perineum, and anus).

rolling68

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. This is one of the most viruses contracted by sexually active people in the United States of America. While the physical symptoms (warts) can be annoying and unsightly, HPV typically clears up after two years of physical symptoms have occurred.

anon87940

this article really helped me with my assignment.

anon60412

I'm in grade 9 and I'm learning about HPV. I was if you could tell me, like if you have ever had it and did it hurt and did you know about it right away? Did people treat you like "Ew! I don't want to hug you--you have HPV?" thinking that they can get it by just touching (stupid people)?

anon42092

I have had my second vaccine injection going for the last one soon! I've had all my warts removed and the doctor says safe sex is the way to go until my last injection! It was the worst possible stage in my life as I had HPV stage 2! There is always an answer or solution!

anon34692

You say that condoms cannot prevent HPV, but do they reduce the risk of it, or are they totally ineffective? If they reduce the risk, then by how much? If not, then why?

bilie

are you automatically infected when you had a sexual intercourse to someone who have a genital wart?

bilie

Will it still be transferred to non carrier even after removing the wart? are there any antibiotics for this type of infection/virus?will it be for lifetime?

anon12655

Will it still be contagious even after removing the wart? Is this a lifetime virus?? or might be cured in years? is there any antibiotics for this infections?

onlyme07

Can you get hpv if you're in a monogamous relationship were both partners were virgins ?

anon1023

This article states that HPV can be transmitted through any contact with the carriers genitalia correct, is this true?

anon525

what are the benefits/risks

meka22

So would you say that hpv is an std?

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    • HPV is most often diagnosed through a pap smear.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      HPV is most often diagnosed through a pap smear.
    • Having multiple partners increases a person's risk of HPV.
      By: Coka
      Having multiple partners increases a person's risk of HPV.
    • Women who have HPV should get annual pap smears to check for cancerous cells.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Women who have HPV should get annual pap smears to check for cancerous cells.
    • Condom use may offer some protection from spreading the human papilloma virus, but not if it is present on the skin surrounding the genitals.
      By: yaskii
      Condom use may offer some protection from spreading the human papilloma virus, but not if it is present on the skin surrounding the genitals.
    • Some forms of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
      By: joshya
      Some forms of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
    • A person with HPV is encouraged to only be sexually active with a long-term monogamous partner.
      By: Artem Furman
      A person with HPV is encouraged to only be sexually active with a long-term monogamous partner.
    • Smokers are more susceptible to HPV infection.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Smokers are more susceptible to HPV infection.
    • Pap smears are typically administered by gynecologists, who are doctors that specialize in treating issues involving women's reproductive systems.
      By: jovannig
      Pap smears are typically administered by gynecologists, who are doctors that specialize in treating issues involving women's reproductive systems.
    • LSIL on a pap smear result may be an indication of HPV, an infection that is transmitted sexually.
      By: ponomarencko
      LSIL on a pap smear result may be an indication of HPV, an infection that is transmitted sexually.