artwork c/o twiy

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

by Editor

HPV

HPV refers to a big family of viruses, some of which are associated with cervical cancer and some of which cause warts.

The human papillomavirus infections which are important are those which cause changes in the cells of the cervix and are associated with cervical cancer. In many countries screening of sexually active woman will check the cells of the cervix to see if there are any early cancer changes.

Symptoms

Most women have no symptoms. If you are having irregular bleeding, bleeding after sex or if you are immunosuppressed eg HIV positive, see your doctor and ask about cervical screening.

Diagnosis

Routine testing for HPV is not done generally, as it has not been shown to be useful. The important thing is to make sure you are screened for changes in the cells of the cervix at least every few years.

Prevention

A vaccine against those subtypes which cause cancer is now available. It needs to be given before you are sexually active in order to protect you. Ask your doctor for advice about this.

If you are already sexually active or you do not have access to this vaccine, protect yourself as you do against all sexually transmitted infections.

Don’t feel pressured into saying yes to having sex. It’s ok to say no. Remember the more people you have sex with the more likely you are to be infected. If you are sexually active, have regular screening and make sure your partner is screened too. Use condoms, they are not 100% but they will reduce your chances of getting infections if they are used correctly every time you have sex.