HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

WHAT:
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) which causes warts. The warts are cauliflower shaped, flesh colored bumps found in the area that has been exposed to infection. They are painless, although sometimes itchy. They may present as one wart or in a cluster. You may also have them inside your throat, anus, or vagina making them hard to see.

Some types of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer in women. “It is estimated that as many as 75% of sexually active men and women will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.”1

HOW:
HPV can be transmitted through skin to skin contact, mutual masturbation, as well as vaginal, anal, and oral sex. HPV can be prevented by practicing safer sex using condoms and dental dams when having sex. While condoms provide excellent protection against HIV and other STI’s, they do not provide 100% protection against HPV. If your partner has a breakout on their inner thigh (or any other area a condom doesn’t cover) you can still contract HPV. You should refrain from having sex if you or your partner is experiencing an HPV outbreak (you have visible warts on your skin).

TREATMENT:
HPV cannot be cured, but most people clear the virus on their own within 2 years. There are medications and creams that can be applied to the wart to treat them during an outbreak, although HPV can still be passed along even if the wart is no longer visible. Many people have no idea they are infected with HPV because often there are no symptoms associated with an infection.

VACCINE:
There are over 100 types of HPV and the Gardasil vaccine for women currently protects from 4 of the most common types. Health Canada recommends that women between the ages of 9-26 get vaccinated for HPV. The vaccine is given with 3 doses spread over a 6 month period. The cost is $150.00 per dose at private clinics although is offered for free if you are enrolled in public school in grade 5 and grade 9. The Gardasil vaccine is currently only available for women. Research on the use of the vaccine for men is currently under way.

TESTING:
You can be tested for HPV at your family doctor or local STI clinic. HPV is often only treated if you have an outbreak or wart visible. A woman’s doctor should be looking for abnormal cells, which can be caused by HPV, in her annual pap test.

It’s always important to remember that if you are living with HIV your risk of contracting other STI’s is increased because of your compromised immune system. Also, if you have an active STI your risk of contracting HIV is greater because you may have created another access point for the virus to enter your body and/or your immune system is compromised fighting off your initial infection.


1. Health Canada. It’s Your Health - Human Papillomavirus. Retrieved February 2010. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hpv-vph-eng.php