What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is a common virus which is sexually transmitted and can infect both females and males. There are more than 100 strains of HPV. The high-risk strains may cause cancers of the cervix, vagina/vulva, penis, anus and oropharynx (back of the throat, base of tongue and the tonsils). Of the high-risk strains, HPV subtypes 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. The low-risk subtypes 6 and 11 account for 90% of genital warts. Other HPV strains may infect the skin of the fingers, hands, face, mouth or throat.
How is HPV spread?
HPV can be transmitted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It also spreads through skin-to-skin contact with the genital area.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with HPV do not have any symptoms and are unaware of the infection. Some may develop genital warts or warts on the hands, in the mouth or throat. Some are diagnosed from an abnormal PAP test or HPV DNA test during cervical cancer screening.
Unfortunately, there are patients who may only learn about it when they develop cancers arising from HPV. In the early stages of cervical cancer, one may not experience any symptoms, but as the cancer progresses, one may experience abnormal vaginal discharge or prolonged periods, vaginal bleeding in between periods or after sexual intercourse, and vaginal bleeding after menopause.
What is the treatment for HPV infection?
In about 90% of the cases, HPV infections are cleared by the body without treatment. In some cases, infection with high-risk HPV strains can persist and cause abnormal changes in the cervical cells, which may lead to cervical cancer. Cancer usually takes years or even decades to develop after one is infected by HPV.
Treatment is directed at HPV-associated conditions such as pre-cancerous lesions, cancer or genital warts. Regular cervical screening tests can either help to detect changes in the cervical cells caused by HPV infection or to identify high-risk HPV strains.
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
- Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains
- Weakened immune states such as chronic HIV infection or immunosuppressive drug intake
- Co-infection with other sexually transmitted disease such as herpes simplex, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
- Multiple sexual partners
- Onset of sexual intercourse at an early age
- Smoking
How could one protect against HPV infection and reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer?
- Regular cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to detect high risk HPV strains that can cause cervical cancer.
- All females 25 years old and above who have had sexual exposure should have a PAP test once every three years if they are 25-29 years old, or an HPV test once every five years if they are 30 years and above, as part of cervical cancer screening.
- All females 9 to 26 years of age are strongly recommended to get the HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.
- One should still go for regular cervical cancer screening regardless of HPV vaccination status as the vaccination only protects against 70 to 90 per cent of high-risk HPV strains.
- Using condoms can lower the chance of getting sexually transmitted diseases including HPV, but HPV can still infect the genital skin areas which are not covered by the condom.
How is an HPV test done in the clinic?
An HPV test is done the same way as a PAP smear, where cells from the neck of cervix are brushed and sent for HPV DNA testing. It tests for the presence of HPV subtypes 16 and 18 and other high-risk strains.
How can we help at Oaklife Family Clinic?
We can recommend and perform the appropriate PAP or HPV tests for cervical cancer screening, individualized to each patient’s needs and risk factors. We also provide HPV vaccines for those who wish to prevent HPV infections and lower the risk of developing cervical cancer.
In the event of abnormal PAP or HPV tests, we will advise on the next steps to take or refer for further management as needed. We are also able to treat genital warts.
Speak to us today to find out more.
Related article (click on link): HPV Vaccination
Written by Dr Jacquelyn Melody on 27 Sep 2023
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Disclaimer: this article is written for educational purposes and does not substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment.