WHAT IS HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a virus that is spread by close skin-to-skin contact. It is usually categorised as a sexually transmitted infection as it is mostly passed through sexual contact. HPV isn’t just one virus; there are many strains and some are more high-risk than others.
HPV is the most common STI and our body’s immune system will usually eradicate the virus before we even know we have it. However, there are some strains such as HPV 6 and HPV 11 that have physical signs of infection such as genital warts. It’s important to remember that this is very different to HSV, also known as herpes. The HPV 6 and HPV 11 strains usually have no long term repercussions.
13 other strains of HPV, however, are far more dangerous to your health if left untreated. These strains can cause DNA mutations that divide cells at a high rate resulting in the development of cancerous growths in the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, or back of the throat.
The cervix is the most at risk when it comes to HPV, as types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cases of cervical cancer which is the fourth most common cancer among women and people with cervixes.
The HPV vaccine, also known as Gardasil 9, is a key part of cancer prevention and routine in most countries for children and teens aged between 9-18 years. This helps prevent cancer-causing strains of HPV but doesn't completely stop you from getting it.
WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT?
The Global Cancer Statistics from 2020 showed that over 600,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2020 across the world and approximately 340,000 died from cervical cancer in the same year, too.
It can take up to 20 years for cancer symptoms to appear from HPV but with regular screenings, any abnormalities can be discovered early before they develop into being cancerous.
Finding out you have HPV can be confusing and scary if you’ve never heard of it before. Due to its nature of being transmitted mostly through sexual contact, some feel shame and embarrassment over it and feel like they have no one to talk to. By learning and understanding exactly what HPV is, you remove the stigma and create a safe space for a friend, a partner, a family member or even yourself
CERVICAL SCREENING TEST - WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
Although the Cervical Screening Test is similar to a Pap smear, the two are different. While the Pap smear looks for abnormal cells in the cervix, the screening test looks for HPV infection that can cause these changes in the cervix and is better at preventing cervical cancer.
You can choose how you want to do the test. Both methods may feel uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
If you choose to have a clinician collect your sample, they will gently insert a speculum into the vagina to take a small tissue sample from the lining of the cervix.
You also have the option to collect your own sample, which you can speak to your healthcare provider about. This method involves inserting a swab into the vagina and rotating it for up to 30 seconds. You can collect the sample in private or request assistance from a clinician.
Women or people with cervixes from 25 to 74 years who have ever been sexually active are recommended to take part in the National Cervical Screening Test every 5 years regardless of their HPV vaccination status. The test can tell you if you’re at risk of cervical cancer and allows your GP to monitor HPV and intervene if they need to.
HPV IN MEN AND PEOPLE ASSIGNED MALE AT BIRTH
Similarly to women and people assigned female at birth, men and people assigned male at birth who have HPV often don’t know that they have it as there are no symptoms and the virus usually goes away on its own. If it doesn’t go away, it can turn into genital warts or potentially cancer.
There are currently no tests for men and people assigned male at birth to be able to detect HPV other than an anal pap test, which isn’t regularly recommended like the Cervical Screening Test for women and people with cervixes. However, teenage boys are recommended the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent contracting the virus. HPV in men and people assigned male at birth can eventually cause throat, anal and penile cancer if the cancerous strains are left untreated.
HOW DO I PREVENT HPV?
-
The best way to prevent HPV and HPV-related cancers is by getting the vaccine.
-
Getting a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years will also catch HPV early and prevent cervical cancer.
-
It’s always important to monitor any changes in your body. Checking for lumps, changes in discharge colour or smell, pain or bleeding during sex or any sores or warts are telling signs that something is wrong.
-
Using condoms can also prevent the contraction of HPV, but may not be 100% effective.
-
Cancer researchers are always searching for more effective treatments for cervical cancer, so supporting them in any way you can is so important whether that be by donating, fundraising or spreading awareness.
