HPV: symptoms & FAQ, limitations of HPV vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection transmitted through close contact with others. There are more than 100 HPVs, at least 14 of which are associated with cancer. In particular, cervical and anal cancers are associated with these high-risk HPV strains, as well as penile cancer and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the middle part of the throat behind the tongue).

Although awareness of HPV has increased for many people, there are still many who are very unaware of the virus and the HPV vaccine. Knowing the basics about both can go a long way toward ensuring that we don’t overlook the symptoms of HPV infection and that we can treat the infection in a timely manner to prevent the spread of the virus to those around us.

HPV is very common

It is estimated that more than 79 million Americans are infected with HPV, making it the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42.5 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 59 are infected with genital HPV, while 7.3 percent are infected with oral HPV. In fact, it is so common that researchers believe that almost everyone who has sex will contract the virus at some point in their lives.

HPV can be acquired without sexual intercourse

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact. However, this does not mean that sexual intercourse is the only way to become infected. In fact, no form of penetration is required to transmit the virus, and any area not covered by a condom can be infected. Overall, vaginal and anal intercourse are the activities most associated with HPV transmission. Although less common, the virus can also be transmitted through oral sex. The risk of HPV infection increases when people who have multiple sexual partners have sex.

Not all types of HPV cause cancer

There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, some of which are high-risk strains associated with cancer. Others are the “low-risk” types known to cause warts. The strains considered to be at high risk are types 16 and 18, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions.

There is a common misconception among many people that warts are a precursor to cancer. In fact, the strain of HPV that causes warts does not cause cancer. A person can be infected with multiple HPV types and the presence of warts should serve as a warning sign of possible exposure to higher risk strains.

The HPV vaccine only prevents, not cures

The types of HPV that cause warts and cervical cancer can be controlled, but not cured. Warts can be treated by removing the wart, but this will not eradicate the underlying virus. However, HPV vaccination can help the body prevent common strains of HPV.

Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms

You can’t know if someone has HPV by physically examining them for genital warts; in fact, most people show no signs of infection and may only become aware of the condition if they have an abnormal smear test result. However, even for people who do have symptoms, they are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Vaccines do not protect against all strains

Although some HPV vaccines usually provide adequate protection, they may not be sufficient for those with HIV infection who develop cervical cancer due to atypical HPV types.

Human papillomavirus testing is not very meaningful

A negative HPV test can be a good indication that you don’t have cancer, while a positive test result usually has no significance. This is because most HPV infections disappear within two years without any complications.

HPV vaccine is not just for young people

The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all women 11 or 12 years old and for all women 13 to 26 years old who need a third dose for improved efficacy.

For some people over the age of 26, vaccination may still be beneficial. The CDC recommends immunization for gay and bisexual people, transgender people and immunocompromised people, including people with HIV. Although they are older, they also have a higher risk of anal and cervical cancer than the general population.

Vaccination does not mean cancer screening is not needed

Because the vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV, you will need regular cervical cancer screenings even if you have received the HPV vaccine, especially if you are sexually active.