| |
Sexual Health Centre
Infections and Safer Sex |
Human Papilloma
Virus
What is it?
Human papilloma virus causes genital
warts in both men and women. This is a very common infection, since
approximately 70 percent of people have been infected with the virus. These
warts can appear on the vulva,
around the rectum, in the vagina or on the cervix. They can also appear
on the thighs. In men, they can be anywhere on the penis, scrotum, or rectum
or inside the urethra. The virus can be passed to a woman during any intimate
contact with men or women.
Human papilloma virus, or
HPV, can also cause changes to the cells in
the cervix. It is estimated that 97 percent of abnormal Pap smears are
due to HPV infection. There are many different strains of HPV; some
strains
increase a woman's risk of cervical
cancer. The risk of cancers of the vulva, penis or rectum may also
be increased, if some strains of the virus infect these areas.
What are the
symptoms?
In many cases, you may be infected
with HPV without any symptoms. If warts do appear they can be pink, white,
grey or brown. They can appear alone or in clusters. They might be painless
or they might be itchy and uncomfortable. Warts may develop quickly or
they
may appear many years after infection or they may never appear even though
the virus is present.
How is it
diagnosed?
If warts are present, your doctor
will be able to identify them. Changes in the cervix are identified using
a Pap smear. If there are abnormalities in your Pap smear, your doctor
may
suggest a colposcopy. Usually
two abnormal Pap smears are necessary before a colposcopy is done.
Are there
any complications?
Cervical
cancer is a risk with some strains of HPV. Cervical cancer can be prevented
by having regular Pap smears and exams so abnormal cells can be removed
before they spread or become cancerous. To help your body cope with the
virus:
- use condoms
- stop smoking
- limit number of sexual
partners
- get a pap every year
- talk to your doctor about getting the Gardasil vaccine. This vaccine protects against cancer causing strains of HPV virus.
How is it
treated?
Treatment can remove warts and/or
abnormal cells but it will not necessarily rid your body of the virus.
Medications
such as podophyllin, trichloroacetic acid or aldara cream can be applied
directly to the warts if they are on the outside of the body.
For some women with HPV infection
on the cervix or for warts that are resistant to medication, other
treatments
are available by a gynecologist:
- cryotherapy uses liquid
nitrogen to freeze off warts
- laser therapy can be used
to destroy warts or abnormal cells
The virus can still be present even though the warts are gone so it is important to continue with annual pap tests and exams.
Should my
partner be checked or treated?
Men
are not tested for HPV but may have visible warts treated. HPV
can be spread easily during intercourse or other genital-to-genital contact.
Men
may
have warts
inside the urethra, and women may not be aware of warts or changes inside
the vagina. Fingers from vagina to vagina can spread the HPV virus.
How can I
protect myself from HPV?
HPV is mainly spread through body
fluids, but it can also spread through skin contact. A latex condom may
help protect the vagina and cervix during intercourse, but there is still
a risk of developing warts in other areas. Talk to your doctor about getting the Gardasil vaccine.
Back
to index
|
 |
