HPV is one of the most common viruses. It is speculated that 3 out of 4 people who have sex will get a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV is primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, sexual intercourse is not required for an infection to occur. HPV is also spread by skin to skin contact. Like most STDs, there are often no signs and people are unaware that they have been infected. There are many types of the HPV virus and most are harmless; about 30 types are known as genital HPV since they primarily affect the genital area. Some of these types are known as high risk (primarily types 16 and 18) and can cause abnormal cells of the cervix that can turn into cervical cancer. Others are called low risk. These types can cause genital warts or benign changes in the cells of the cervix that don’t progress to cancer.
Because there are no signs of an HPV infection, most women do not know that they have it. Most women are diagnosed with HPV as a result of an abnormal pap test. The pap test is part of the yearly gynecological examination given to you by your doctor. Early detection is very important because many cervical pre-cancers can be treated successfully if detected early.
Methods of treating abnormal cells of the cervix:
- close monitoring
- freezing
- removal using electrical instruments
- conventional surgery
Although certain high risk types of the HPV virus can cause cervical cancer, only a small percentage of women infected by the virus will develop the cancer. In many women, the immune system will destroy the virus before it causes cancer. In a few cases the virus is not destroyed and it’s in these cases that it can lead to cervical cancer. Young women are more likely to get rid of the virus quicker and those that smoke are less likely to get rid of the virus. The longer that the HPV persists and the older that the woman is; the greater the chance to progress to cancer.
Since we know that HPV is mostly asymptomatic and that early detection is extremely important, how do we best find it?
The easiest way is to get tested. See your doctor and get a pap and the HPV test. If abnormal cells are detected, discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
