Human

Papillomavirus(HPV)
EVANN R. CASOY, RN
NURSE DEPLOYMENT PROJECT
What is Human Papillomavirus(HPV)?

 Human Papillomavirus(HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted

infection. Most sexually active men and women being exposed to the virus
at some point during their lifetime.
 The virus is common in the United States and there are approximately 14
million newly diagnosed cases of human papillomavirus(HPV) annually.
 In the Philippines, more than 6,000 new cases of cervical cancer are
diagnosed every year. HPV infection causes more than 99 percent of
cervical cancer among women. HPV vaccination is part of the DOH’s
National Immunization Program.
 There are different types of HPV. Some can lead to genital warts and
others can cause some types of cancer.
Fast Facts on HPV

Here are some key points about human papillomavirus:

 Most sexually active men and women will contract the HPV virus at some
point during their lifetime.
 HPV can be spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex.
 It can result in genital warts and some types of cancer
 Sometimes, HPV can be transmitted during birth to an infant causing
genital or respiratory system infections.
 There is no cure for HPV but safe and effective vaccinations are
recommended at the age of 9-14 years.
Causes

 Skin-to-skin contact through sexual intercourse or other forms of skin-to-skin

contact of genitals.
 While most HPV infections are benign, causing warts on areas of the body
including the hands, feet, and genitals.
 HPV can infect anyone who is sexually active, many times infected
individuals are asymptomatic, meaning they display no symptoms of the
virus.
 Although most HPV infections resolve themselves, they can remain
dormant and later infect a new or existing sexual partner.
Symptoms

Warts
 Common symptoms of some types of HPV are warts, especially genital
warts.
 Genital warts may appear as a small bump, cluster of bumps, or stem-like
protrusions. They commonly affect the vulva of women, or possibly the
cervix, and the penis or scrotum in men. They may also appear around
the anus and in the groin.
 They can range in size and appearance and be large, small, flat or
cauliflower shaped, and may be white or flesh tone.
Types of warts associated with HPV:

Common warts – rough, raised bumps most commonly found on the hands,
fingers, and elbows.
Plantar warts – described as hard, grainy growths on the feet; they most
commonly appear on the heels or balls of the feet.
Flat warts – generally affect children, adolescents and young adults; they
appear as flat-topped, slightly raised lesions that are darker than normal skin
color and are most commonly found on the face, neck, or areas that have
been scratched.
Cancer

Other types of HPV can increase the risk of developing cancer. These
cancers include cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and
oropharynx, or the base of the tongue, and tonsils. It may take years or
decade for cancer to develop.
Risk factors

 Having a higher number of sexual partners

 Having sex with someone who has had several sexual partners
 Having a weakened immune system, for example, due to HIV od after
having an organ transplant
 Having areas of damaged skin
 Having personal contact with warts or surfaces where HPV exposure has
occurred
Diagnosis

 If warts or lesions are visible, a doctor can generally make a diagnosis of

HPV during a visual inspection. However, additional tests may be needed
to confirm the presence of HPV.
 When should I get tested for HPV?
Tests to evaluate for HPV: Pap Smear, DNA test, and Acetic Acid test
A Pap Smear is a test that collects the cells from the surface of the surface or
the vagina and will reveal any cellular abnormalities that may lead to
cancer.
The use of a DNA test will evaluate for the high-risk types of HPV and is
recommended for women 30 and older in conjunction with a Pap smear.
Acetic acid test
Treatment

 Different types of HPV will have different symptoms. HPV can lead to
genital warts and cancer
 There is no treatment for the virus, but the symptoms can be treated.
Prevention

Measures that can reduce the risk of contracting HPV include:

 Having the HPV vaccine
 Practicing safe sex
 Practicing abstinence or being in a monogamous sexual relationship
 Not having sex while there are visible genital warts
Vaccination

 How and when the vaccine is given?

 For people aged 14 and under, the HPV vaccine is given as 2 injections in
the upper arm. The vaccine works best if the second injection is given 6-12
months after the first.
 For people aged 15 or over, or people who do not receive the injections
at least 6 months apart, will need 3 injections. Ideally, the 3 doses should
be given at 0, 2 and 6 months – that is, the second dose should be given 2
months after the first, and the third dose 4 months after the second.
HPV Vaccine
Thank you!!!