HPV is a virus that affects both females and males.
There are more than 100 types of the virus. Most types of HPV do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own. More than 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts and other non-cancerous changes in the cervix. HPV has also been linked to other diseases including vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Approximately 75% of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime.
60% of girls will be infected with HPV within 48 months of the first time they have sex
Anyone is at risk of developing an HPV infection, but young women between the ages of 15 to 29 years are at the highest risk. Because people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they easily pass on the virus without even knowing it. Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact could get HPV, even if there is no sexual intercourse. The only thing that you cannot get from oral sex is pregnant!
HPV usually has no signs or symptoms, so most people infected with the virus don’t know they have it. It usually clears up on its own (but may take 12-18 mths). Repeated infections or infections that don’t clear on their own can often be detected through Pap testing or gynaecological exams. A Pap test is part of a gynaecological exam in which cells are scraped from the cervix and are examined under a microscope. This helps your doctor detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. Many consequences of HPV can be treated successfully if detected early. That’s why regular Pap testing is so important.
Currently, there is no proven cure for the virus. However, it is possible to treat some of the possible consequences of HPV infection, including abnormal cervical cells, cervical cancer and genital warts.