What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get the virus at some point in their lives.”
Let’s break it down.
Human: Refers to the fact that this virus affects humans.
Papilloma: This word comes from “papilla,” a Latin word that means “small bump,” and “oma,” a Greek word meaning “growth.” So, papilloma refers to a small growth or wart-like bump, which is a common symptom of HPV.
Virus: A virus is a microscopic organism that can infect living cells. HPV primarily infects the cells in the genital areas of the human body.
It’s nothing new!
HPV has existed for thousands of years, evolving as a virus alongside humans. Originally diagnosed in animals in the 1930’s, by the 1970’s Dr. Harald Zur Hausen discovered that HPV was causing cervical cancer. Today, we know that HPV can cause 6 different types of cancer.
Low-risk vs. High-risk HPV – What’s the difference?
What Cancers can HPV cause?
HPV can cause 6 types of cancer:
- Cervical Cancer
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Penile Cancer
- Vaginal Cancer
What does HPV have to do with me?
Nearly everyone who engages in any form of sexual activity will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
How does HPV spread?
- Sexual Contact: Vaginal, Anal, and Oral Sex —-> Extremely common
- Skin-to-skin contact: Non-Sexual Contact, deep kissing, or via hands or feet—> somewhat common
- Mother to baby: during childbirth, a mother with HPV can transmit the virus to the infant —> Less common
- Contaminated surfaces —> Very rare
Factors that may increase your risk of getting or having a persistent HPV infection:
- Not being vaccinated against HPV: the HPV vaccine protects against the most dangerous types of the virus, especially those that cause cancers and genital warts.
- New sexual partners: Engaging in sexual activity is not a bad thing. However, it may increase the likelihood of coming in contact with someone who has HPV (regardless of your gender identity or sexual orientation), especially if you practice unprotected sex.
- Damaged skin: The presence of open or punctured skin can make you more likely to contact HPV if you come into contact with the virus.
- Compromised immune system: If you do come in contact with HPV, and your immune system is compromised by disease such as HIV/AIDS, medication, or malnutrition, you are at greater risk of HPV infection. Learn more about navigating cancer prevention with an immunocompromising condition here.
What happens if I do get HPV?
A few things can happen:
- Your immune system can usually get rid of the HPV infection on its own within 1-2 years. This means your body fights off the virus, making it go to sleep in your body (go dormant) and stop causing problems. If you catch a low-risk type of HPV, you might get genital warts, which can go away on their own or with treatment.
- If your body doesn’t get rid of the virus, low-risk HPV can keep causing warts. High-risk types of HPV, however, can infect certain areas of your body (the cervix, vagina, anus, penis, or head & neck). If these infected cells aren’t found and treated, they could eventually turn into cancer.
The Bottom Line…about 85% of all sexually active people are infected with HPV at some point during their lives. There are ways to prevent HPV infection. If you’ve already been diagnosed with HPV, there are ways to prevent HPV from turning into cancer.