Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in adults worldwide. HPV is the name for a group of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes lining the body, for example in the anus, cervix, mouth and throat. There are more than 100 types of HPV, around 40 of which can affect the genital area.
HPV can cause genital warts, and is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, particularly through unprotected vaginal and oral sex. It’s very contagious, and while the virus often presents no visible symptoms, it’s linked to the development of certain cancers, notably cervical cancer in young women.
In South Africa, close to 6 000 women a year are diagnosed with cervical cancer – concerning we know!. The good news is that it’s a cancer that can effectively be prevented with the HPV vaccine.
Signs And Symptoms To Watch Out For
Certain types of HPV infections can cause:
- Genital warts
- Abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells within your cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer
- Minor skin complaints such as warts and verruca’s
Can HPV Be Treated?
We spoke to Dr. Russell from Hello Doctor about HPV and the HPV vaccine. “Even though an HPV genital infection can’t be cured, the symptoms can be treated. Genital warts can be treated with prescription creams and lotions, and abnormal cervical cells can be treated successfully if they’re detected early enough. This is why it’s so important for women to see their gynae or doctor every year for a pap smear.”
Although there is currently no cure for HPV infections, most of the time infections don’t cause any serious harm and are cleared by your immune system within 2 years.
How Do I Protect Myself Against HPV?
The HPV vaccine, which is effective against diseases caused by HPV types 16 and 18, prevents a person from contracting the virus, and is usually given to girls between the ages of 9 and 12, as well as to young women. It can, however, also be given to boys. The vaccine contains a very small part of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cannot cause infection, and usually 2 or 3 doses are required for full protection.
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