1. Why talk about this topic?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most of the time, an infected person would not show any symptom and in fact may even clear the virus from the body. As a result, most infections goes unnoticed and transmission rate is high. However, health problems can occur if the HPV infection persist in the body. The most worrying problem is cancer.
2. Is there many strains of HPV?
There are about 100 subtypes of HPV. These strains can be divided into low risk and high risk HPV.
The low risk HPV includes HPV 6 and 11, which can cause viral warts.
The high risk HPV includes HPV 16 and 18 most commonly associated with cervical, vagina, anal, head and neck cancers.
Other high risks are 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68.
3. How is HPV spread?
HPV is not transmitted solely by penetrative sexual intercourse. HPV is spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex with an individual who has the virus.
4. HPV infection only occurs among individuals who have more than one sexual partner at the time.
This is often the misleading perception regarding HPV infection. It is often perceived that only promiscuous people will get HPV.
This is a misleading belief.
Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV and having more than one sexual partner may increase the risk of infection. However, you are still able to be infected even if you are having sex with only one person As HPV is so common.
HPV can be inactive (dormant) in the body for many years. If your partner has had other previous sexual partners, prior infection of HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs and symptoms. This does not mean they have been unfaithful.
5. How do I know if I have HPV?
At the moment, HPV testing is only done during cervical screening. These test are not recommended to screen men.
6. I have HPV. When did I get it?
This is extremely hard to detect as you can develop symptoms years after you had sex with someone who is infected with HPV.
7. What kind of health problems HPV cause?
Persistent HPV infection can cause warts in your anus and genital area.
The low risk HPV often cause genital wart.
These warts may appear small or large, raised or flat or even shaped like a cauliflower.
The high risk HPV can cause cancer, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis or anus. It can also cause head and throat cancer.
8. How soon will cancer develop after an infection?
It takes many years for high risk HPV infection to cause cancer.
However, individuals with weak immune system, such as HIV/AIDS may be more likely to develop cancer once infected.
9. What are the factors that may increase the risk of HPV infection?
Multiple sexual partners at one time or in a lifetime
Having sex with someone who has multiple sexual partners (at the time/in the past)
Smoking
Combined oral contraceptive pills
10. How to prevent HPV infection?
Getting a HPV vaccination (ideally prior to any sexual activity)
Getting screened for cervical screening
Using protective barrier if you are sexually active
Practising monogamous relationship
Informative Validated Resources
Human Papillomavirus Fact Sheet
Health Professional Reference for cervical cancer prevention
Malaysia’s Resource for HPV Information
Image source : https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/understanding-the-demographics-of-hpv-related-head-and-neck-cancers
Please be aware that the contents of my blog are based on current available evidence, as to date from the time the entry is written. Good practise and expert advise is very much an evolving situation and the available evidence may be updated after this content is written.
Please take note that the content of my blog does not constitute formal medical advice. If you have any concerns regarding your health, please consult your physician.
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