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Papilloma Virus FAQ

by Contributing Writer

Overview

TheHPVtest.com describes HPV as a common sexually transmitted virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes by destroying cells and generating cancerous material. Although such viruses are often associated with genital warts, these occur in only one percent of infections. HPV is dangerous as it has the potential of combining with the Epstein-Barr virus to cause various forms of cancer. Gardasil.com states that every year, there are nearly six million new reports of genital human papillomavirus in the United States. About 74 percent of these cases are present in people aged 15 to 24.
What Is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

There are more than 100 types of HPV; 30 of these types are passed along through genital contact. Each of the types is designated with a number and placed into one of two categories--high-risk and low-risk. The low-risk types of HPV do not cause cervical cancer but they can cause genital warts or alter cells in the cervix. High-risk types of HPV can cause abnormal cells in the cervix that eventually can grow into cervical cancer.

Can Men Get HPV?

Although the hype about HPV revolves around women and their cervices, men can get HPV. Much like women, men who contract HPV do not usually have any symptoms, unless the HPV virus begins to cause abnormal changes in skin cells. As a result there is no specific HPV test approved by the FDA for men.
What Are the Symptoms of HPV?

Surprisingly there are very few symptoms to recognize HPV. In both males and females there is little recognition of the virus unless cell alteration has already begun. Thus, many pass along the virus with no knowledge of even having it.
What Are the Treatments for HPV?

The FDA-approved Gardisil is a vaccine for HPV. Gardisil is a series of shots that protects against the two most popular forms of cancer that cause HPV. There are also reports that this vaccine can protect against other forms of HPV as well. Gardisil, however, does not show conclusive evidence for reversing existing HPV viruses. Regular Pap tests are still necessary for women, and a HPV test is recommended to regularly screen the cervix for the HPV virus. These shots have been proven to last at least five years. Another vaccine still in development is called Cervarix.
How Can I Prevent HPV?

The vaccines are recommended for girls aged 11 to 12 or 13 to 26 who have not completed the series of shots as well as those who are sexually active are who are at risk of contracting HPV (since it is transmitted through genital contact). The CDC website explains that condoms may lower the risk of contracting HPV. However, wearing a condom does not fully protect you from HPV. The only way to completely avoid HPV is to not have multiple-partner sexual activity. Those in monogamous and healthy relationships have a lower risk of getting HPV when both partners have been tested for the virus.