Understanding—and Preventing—HPV 

If left untreated, Human papillomavirus (HPV) can have devastating effects. Your immune system can naturally suppress the virus, but if it can’t be cleared, it can move quickly. Fortunately, there are preventive steps you can take. 

What is HPV?

HPV is exceptionally common, yet uncertainty still surrounds it. HPV is a virus that causes an infection by entering cells. HPV takes control of your inner cells and replicates itself, then infects other nearby cells. There are over 100 strains of the virus, with at least 30 affecting female genitals. When it affects the genitals, it’s considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and is the most common STI in the U.S. Around 80% of women will contract HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if that person does not have signs or symptoms. 

Conditions Associated with HPV

High-risk HPV infections often have no symptoms, but those who contract low-risk HPV infections may have symptoms including:

  • Common warts. Rough, raised bumps, usually occurring on the hands and fingers. Can be painful or susceptible to injury or bleeding.
  • Plantar warts. Hard, grainy growths that appear on the heels or balls of your feet.
  • Flat warts. Flat-topped, slightly raised lesions that tend to appear on legs.
  • Genital warts. Flat lesions that appear on the vulva, near the anus, on the cervix, or in the vagina. 

In most women, the immune system rids your body of HPV, but if not cleared, high-risk HPV can lead to the following conditions and symptoms:

  • Cervical cancer
    • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods, or having periods that are heavier or longer than usual.
  • Cancer of the vulva
    • Itching, burning, or bleeding on the vulva, changes in the color of the skin of the vulva, sores, lumps, or ulcers that do not go away.
  • Cancer of the vagina
    • Pain in the pelvic area or rectum, lump in the vagina, blood in the urine or passing urine frequently, bloody vaginal discharge.
  • Anal cancer
    • Bleeding from the rectum, itching in or around the rectum, a lump or mass at the anal opening, abnormal anal discharge.
  • Oropharyngeal cancer (cancer in the back of the throat)
    • Prolonged sore throat, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, ear pain.

About 25,689 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year among women in the parts of the body where HPV is commonly found. Research shows that HPV is responsible for 90% of anal and cervical cancers and about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers. It often takes years for cancer to progress after an individual is infected with HPV. Genital warts and cancers result from different types of HPV, known as High-Risk and Low-Risk types. There is no way to determine who will develop health problems from HPV, but those with weakened immune systems may be less able to fight off the virus, and in turn, develop health problems. HPV has no cure, but there are treatments for some of the symptoms caused by HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cell changes caused by the infection.

HPV Prevention

Anyone concerned with the transmission of HPV can take steps to prevent infection including: 

  • Getting vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective and can protect against the diseases caused by HPV. It works by tricking the body into thinking it has been exposed to the virus, which triggers the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to fight the infection. The percentage of women who received one or more doses of the HPV vaccine increased from 36.8% in 2013 to 53.6% in 2018. The vaccine may have mild side effects, such as pain where the shot was given or nausea, but gets better within a day or two.
  • Getting screened for cervical cancer routinely if between the ages of 21 to 65.
  • Using condoms if you are sexually active. 

HPV Vaccine Recommendations

The CDC recommends the HPV vaccination for: 

  • All preteens between ages 9 and 12
  • Everyone through age 26, if not already vaccinated

If you’re over age 26 and concerned that you have not yet received the vaccine, there are options. Adults aged 27 to 45 may be eligible to get the vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the benefits of the vaccine. Women who get the vaccine after becoming sexually active and have already been exposed to HPV may not receive the full benefit.

Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against most, but not all HPV types that cause cancer. It is recommended that all women follow the same screening process (Pap test for those ages 21-29, and Pap with HPV co-test for those ages 30 and above) for cervical cancer. This can help in the early identification of high-risk HPV or changes to cervical cells.

The HPV vaccine and cervical exams are crucial tools in preventing HPV infections and their associated health complications. If you want more information to determine if the HPV vaccine is right for you, or wish to schedule a Pap test and HPV test, call CT Coastal OB/GYN at 203.562.5181 and we’ll help you determine the best course of action.