Things to Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is Common

HPV infection is very common and most sexually active individuals will have it at some point.

Different Types of HPV

There are approximately 200 different types of HPV, classified by DNA sequencing. About 40-50 HPV
types infect the anogenital. HPV 6 and 11 responsible for about 90% of genital wart and do not cause
cancer. There 15 high-risk or oncogenic HPV types with HPV 16 and 18 being the two most important
types because evidence shows that they are responsible for about 70% of invasive cervical cancers
and 50% of high-grade lesions. If not detected early, can increase a woman’s risk for cervical cancer.
HPV also is known to cause some cancers of the penis, anus, vagina, vulva, and throat. HPV
infections are usually harmless, though and can be cleared naturally by the body in a year or two.

Vaccination

HPV vaccines can help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that may lead to cervical
cancer and low risk types that cause genital warts.

Transmission

HPV is usually transmitted by genital-to-genital and genital-to-anal contact (even without

penetration). The virus can also be transmitted by oral to genital contact. There is evidence to show
that male condoms can reduce HPV transmission to females however it is important to note that
condoms only protect the skin they cover.

HPV Testing

HPV DNA testing find the high-risk HPV types and can help determine women who may be at a
higher risk of cervical cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that HPV
DNA testing when available should be the primary cervical cancer screening for women and can be
triage with either a cytology test or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA)

Treatment

There is no treatment for HPV infection itself, but there are options to treat diseases caused by HPV

Relationships

A recent infection of HPV does not necessarily mean anyone has been unfaithful in relationships.