Conditions Caused By Hpv

The human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is a viral infection that is transmitted sexually via skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner. HPV is not only one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, but also one of the most dangerous. Most HPV cases are asymptomatic and lie dormant or unnoticed for years, causing irreparable harm to the body's reproductive system.

Facts

There are more than 100 strains of HPV, however only 30 strains cause infection. According to the American Social Health Association, HPV is so prevalent that three out of four sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. Most of these cases will go away on their own.

Effects

The 30 strains of HPV that cause infection can be classified as either low-risk or high-risk. Low-risk infections are caused by 10 strains of HPV and result in abnormal Pap smears and genital warts. Genital warts can be removed by cryosurgery (freezing) or electrocautery (burning) or by taking medication. In some cases, they may go away on their own; however, the virus will remain in the body and therefore can be transmitted or may return. The high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer in women, and anal or penile cancer in men.

Significance

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, and 4,000 of these women succumb to it. In men, HPV accounts for 20 percent of penile and anal-related cancers.

Warning

Although HPV itself does not cause infertility in women or men, it can lead to conditions, such as cancer, that can cause infertility.

Prevention/Solution

Women can be screened for HPV during their annual Pap tests. It is important for women to have a Pap test conducted yearly to discover any changes in the cervical cells. If cervical cancer is caught early, it can be treated. Additionally, a new immunization, Gardasil, has been approved as the first HPV vaccine for women. According to the CDC, Gardasil has been effective in preventing 70 percent of the HPV strains that cause cancer and 90 percent of the HPV strains that cause genital warts. Gardasil is a series of three doses and is recommended for women under the age of 26. Currently, there are no HPV screening methods or vaccines for men. Practicing safe sex and using condoms can reduce the risk of contracting HPV by 70 percent. There is no cure for HPV.

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