Human papillomavirus (commonly called “HPV”) includes a group of more than 150 related viruses. Given the large number of viruses in this group, each type of HPV is given a specific, identifying number—for example, HPV 14.[1] Keep in mind that HPV is a completely different virus than other well-known, sexually transmitted viruses such as herpes and HIV.[2]
Of all the sexually transmitted diseases, HPV is by far the most popular. HPV is so common, that according to the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”), “Nearly all sexually active men and women will get the virus at some point in their lives.”[3]
How do you contract HPV?
You can get HPV by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with a person who has HPV. HPV can also be spread through intimate genital contact with an infected person, although transmission in this manner is not as common.[4] Even if you have had just had one sexual partner, you can still contract HPV. However, the more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to contract HPV. One reason HPV transmission is so widespread is because often a person with HPV has no visible symptoms; nevertheless, you can still contract HPV from an asymptomatic infected person. Additionally, if you have sex with someone who has HPV and then contract HPV, you may not exhibit any perceptible symptoms for years, if at all. This makes it difficult to pinpoint when you contracted HPV and from which specific sexual partner.[5]
What health problems can HPV cause?
In many cases, your body will fight off many strains of HPV on its own and will cause you no health problems. Hoverer, in cases where HPV does not go away on its own, it can cause serious health problems. There are strains of HPV that can cause genital warts; also, there are some strains of HPV that can cause various cancers. Keep in mind that the HPV strains that can cause genital warts do not cause cancer, and the HPV strains that can cause cancer do not cause genital warts.[6] HPV can cause both men and women to get cancer of the mouth, throat, anus, and rectum. In women, HPV can also cause vaginal, vulvar, and cervical cancers. Men can also get penile cancer from HPV infections.[7]
How can I avoid contracting HPV and any HPV-related health problems it may cause
To schedule an appointment with a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist to discuss your gynecological health, sexually transmitted diseases including but not limited to HPV, and to schedule a Pap smear, other gynecology procedures, and a HPV test if necessary, contact the Women’s Pelvic Surgery. Call us today at Call 201-301-2772 or contact us online at womenspelvicsurgery.com.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/whatishpv.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stats.htm
[4] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-cancer-info.html
[5] https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
[6] https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
[7] https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/whatishpv.html
