Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin, and the moist membranes lining your body such as the cervix, anus, mouth and throat. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Around 30 types of HPV infection can affect the genital area. Genital HPV infections are common and highly contagious. They are spread during sexual intercourse and skin-to-skin contact of the genital areas.
What can HPV infection do?
There are over 100 strains or types of HPV. Not all types cause problems. Some strains of HPV can cause genital warts, while other strains can cause abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells within your cervix (mouth of the womb) which can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.
Appropriate aged girls in Anguilla, are now offered a vaccination against HPV to help protect them against types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Women aged 25-64 are encouraged to have regular cervical screening to check for abnormal cells in the cervix.
Other types of HPV infections, such as common skin warts and verrucas, can cause minor problems.
Genital HPV infection
Genital HPV is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Anguilla – and many other countries. HPV can cause infection in both men and women but appears to be more common in women. HPV should not be confused with genital herpes, another STD.
Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms therefore many people are unaware that they are infected. Most women are diagnosed during a routine gynecological examination and Pap smear. Although there is no treatment for the HPV virus itself, treatments are available for its effects. Most HPV infections do not cause any serious harm and are cleared by your immune system within two years.
HPV and cervical cancer
In women, persistent infection with certain “high-risk” types of HPV can cause changes to cells in the cervix, which can increase the risk of cervical cancer. The types of HPV that cause genital warts are “low-risk” and are not associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Abnormal cells in the cervix can be treated if detected early, which is why it is important to have regular Pap smears as decided by you and your doctor. If you have questions on the frequency of your Pap smears, have a talk with your gynaecologist today.
Prevention of genital HPV
Not participating in sexual activities is the surest way to prevent the risk of genital HPV. However, there are methods to reduce risk. Individuals with multiple sex partners, or high-risk partners, have an increased risk of HPV – as well as those who engage in unprotected sex.
Using a condom during sex can help to prevent an HPV infection. However, condoms do not offer complete protection. HPV can be present all over the area around your genitals and anus, and is spread through skin-to-skin contact of the genital area – not just penetrative sex.
If you have been treated for genital warts (which are caused by HPV), you should use a condom for three to six months after your treatment finishes. This may reduce the risk of passing the virus on to your partners if they have not already been exposed.
Conclusion
HPV is a common cause of genital infection. This virus has several strains or types and is very common in Anguilla. Your body’s immune system can get rid of some types of the virus, but at this time there is no cure for this virus. A vaccine is now available to prevent those strains of the virus that can cause cervical cancer. As with other sexually transmitted diseases, prevention is strongly encouraged. Always practice safe sex and avoid risky sexual behavior if you want to prevent sexually transmitted diseases like genital HPV.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-five years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
