What is genital HPV?
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. There are many different types of the virus that may show up on different areas of the body, including the feet, hands and in the genital areas of men and women. Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can show up in the genital areas of men and women.
Some types of genital HPV may result in abnormal Pap tests or genital warts.
What does genital HPV look like?
Genital warts usually start as small bumps near the genital or anal areas and can look like cauliflower as they get bigger. In women, they can appear on the vulva, in the vagina, or the anal area. In men, they can appear on the penis, scrotum, anal area, or in the urethra. Warts can also appear in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral or genital sexual contact with someone who has oral or genital HPV.
Genital warts are usually painless, but can cause itching and irritation. They are very contagious and usually appear between three weeks to six months after contact with someone who has HPV.
If a woman’s cervix is infected, she will not see anything abnormal. Some types of genital HPV infection on the cervix can cause cervical cancer. This type of infection can cause abnormal Pap tests and a woman usually needs more testing and treatment. Early treatment can prevent her from getting cervical cancer.
Can I get genital HPV?
Yes. Anyone who is sexually active can get genital HPV. You can get it whether you can see warts or not. Genital HPV is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it. You can get HPV by contact with the genital area, anal area, or mouth of someone who has it.
How can I protect myself from genital HPV?
The only sure way to avoid genital HPV is by not having sexual contact (abstinence) or by having sexual contact with only one uninfected person who only has sexual contact with you. If you choose to have sex, using condoms correctly each time you have sex may help provide protection, but only for the skin that is covered by the condom. Condoms do not cover all genital skin, so they don’t fully protect against HPV.
The current HPV vaccine protects against the four types of HPV that cause most genital warts and cervical cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccine for girls and women ages 9-26.
What if I already have genital HPV?
There is no cure for HPV. If you already have HPV, there are different treatments you can choose depending on where the infection is. Most medical experts recommend you receive the vaccine anyway. Genital warts may be removed by creams or chemicals that are put on the skin. They can also be removed by surgical methods like freezing or laser. You and your health care provider will decide what treatment is best for you. Even though genital warts may go away without treatment, the virus may still be in your body. If you have a high risk form of HPV on your cervix, you may need more tests and treatment to prevent cervical cancer.
How can I learn more?
Contact your local or state family planning clinic/program at:
Vermilion County Health Department
200 S. College
Danville, Illinois 61832
217-431-2662
or email
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National Center for HIV, STD, & TB PreventionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
1108 Corporate Square
Atlanta, GA 30329
nchstp@cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov/nchstp/od/nchstp.html
404/639-8040
800/311-3435
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American Social Health Association (ASHA)
PO Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919/361-8400
www.ashastd.org
References:
CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/std/hpv and www.cdc.gov/nip
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention November 2006 pages 9-13
CDC (MMWR ) October 20, 2006/55(41);1117-1120
American Social Health Association 11/03/06 pages 1-2
Program funding includes a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Title X.
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