STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections (pamphlet)

HPV

What is it?

HPV is short for Human Papillomavirus. It is the virus that can cause warts or lead to cancer. There are many different types of HPV which can infect different parts of the body. The different types can affect your body in different ways. You can have more than one type at a time.

Genital warts may grow on your penis, scrotum and thighs or inside or outside the vagina or anus. HPV has been found to affect the cells of the cervix and potentially lead to cancer. It has also been found to contribute to other cancers, such as anal [both males and females], penile and vaginal.

How do you get it?

You can get HPV if you have oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who already has the virus. You can also get HPV from other sexual activity with skin to skin contact. Your partner may not have visible warts but can still spread the virus. A lot of sexually active people have HPV or will have it over their lifetime.
                                    
How can you tell if you have it?

You can pass on the virus without even knowing you have it. If you find warts on your genitals they may look like bumps which can be cauliflower like. Some warts are very hard to see. A doctor or nurse can do an exam to find them.

HPV Vaccine

If you are female, and between 9-26 years of age, you can protect yourself against some types of HPV with a vaccine. It is given by a needle in three doses.

The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV. Even if you are vaccinated it is still possible that you will become infected with other types of HPV. It is still very important for you to continue to have regular PAP tests and use condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex.

The vaccine is not approved for guys, but they are studying this now.

How do you get tested?

A doctor or nurse can tell if you have genital warts by looking at them. Some types of HPV can cause changes to a female’s cervix. In some people these changes may lead to cancer of the cervix. A doctor or nurse can do a PAP test to check your cervix. They will gently take some cells from your cervix. If you are having sex, or have had sex previously, it is important to have a PAP test once a year or until you doctor determines that the time period between PAPs can increase.

How is it treated?

Right now, there is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments for the things HPV causes – warts and changes in the cervix. Genital warts don’t have to be taken off. If you want the warts taken off there are different ways a doctor or nurse can do this:

• Put a liquid directly on the warts – it has to be done many times before the warts go away
• Freeze the warts
• Burn the warts
• Remove the warts surgically
• Even if they are treated there is a chance they can come back

If your PAP test shows that HPV has caused changes to your cervix, you may be sent to a special doctor for a further check up.