What is HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are more than 100 types of HPV and about 40 can infect the genital area. Some types of genital HPV can cause genital warts and about 15 others can cause cervical cancer.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is transmitted by oral and genital contact – intercourse is not necessary. Condoms are effective in preventing other sexually transmitted infections, but they are not as effective in preventing HPV. This is because HPV can be found on skin not covered by the condom.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
There are usually no symptoms. Most adults will have HPV at some time in their lives, and it will usually go away on its own without any problem. For some women, the HPV will not go away. Over time, the HPV can cause abnormal cervical cells that can change to cervical cancer.
Risk factors
All women who have ever been sexually active (touching or intercourse) are at risk, but the risk increases if she:
- Started sexual activity at a young age
- Had multiple sexual partners, or a sexual partner who has had multiple sexual partners
- Has a history of other sexually transmitted infections
- Has weakened immunity
- Smokes
- Does not use condoms
How is HPV treated?
Most HPV infections go away on their own within 24 months without any problem.
Treatments are available for the HPV types that cause genital warts, but these have not been shown to work for the HPV types that cause cervical cancer.
Regular cervical cancer screening with Pap tests can find abnormal changes in the cervix early, before cancer develops. Treatment of abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
HPV Vaccination
A vaccine is available that protects against two types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. The vaccine is recommended for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 years before they come in contact with HPV. The vaccine may also benefit women who are sexually active and have not yet been infected with HPV. The vaccine prevents HPV infection but it does not get rid of it once the infection occurs.
In women who have never been infected with HPV, the vaccine:
For more information, call your local public health unit or speak to your family physician.
Healthy Women Needed for HPV Vaccine Study
If you are 16 - 26 years old, you may be eligible to join a study on HPV. The study is to determine if a new vaccine is similar to the currently available vaccine in preventing HPV infection or the development of cervical cancer. All subjects will receive either the current vaccine presently approved in Canada for use in females ages 9 - 26 or the new vaccine. For more information please contact The Women’s Health Research Institute at: 604-875-2424 ext. 4878 or HPVStudy@cw.bc.ca
Do women who had the HPV vaccine need regular Pap tests?
Yes. This is because the HPV vaccine:
- Does not prevent all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer
- Does not protect women who already came into contact with HPV before vaccination
Having regular Pap tests is the only way to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could become cancerous.
Recommended Links
Immunize BC – Get Informed about HPV
BC HealthGuide – BC HealthFile on the HPV Vaccination Program (Grades 6 and 9)
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada – www.hpvinfo.ca