Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STD). In fact, Mr HPV is the most common source of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  There are more than 100 types of HPV. Because some are likely to cause more complications than others, types are categorized into low-risk and high-risk HPV. Low-risk types cannot cause cervical cancer and cause benign conditions such as warts. High-risk types can cause abnormal cells to form in the cervix, which can develop into cancer if left untreated.

Common types of HPV

If you have HPV, determining which type you have helps your doctor determine next steps. Some types of HPV go away without intervention. Other types can lead to cancer. Your doctor will monitor your condition so that if cancer cells develop, they can be detected early.

HPV 6 and HPV 11

HPV 6 and HPV 11 are low-risk HPV types. They are associated with approximately 90% of cases of genital warts. HPV 11 can also cause changes in the cervix. Genital warts look like cauliflower-shaped bumps in your genital area. They usually appear a few weeks or months after exposure to HPV. Getting the HPV vaccine can help prevent HPV. For the Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine, clinical trials have shown up to 89 to 99 percent effectiveness in protecting against HPV types 6 and 11. This significant reduction against infection of these types was seen in ages 9 to 26 years. The recommendation is to get the vaccines before becoming sexually active, as the vaccine cannot protect against a strain of HPV that a person has already been exposed to. If you get HPV 6 or HPV 11, you may be prescribed certain topical medications that destroy the tissue of the genital warts. This local destruction of wart tissue helps boost your immune system's ability to fight the virus.

HPV 16 and HPV 18

HPV 16 is the most common high-risk type of HPV and usually causes no obvious symptoms, although it can cause changes in the cervix. It causes 50% of cervical cancers worldwide. HPV 18 is another high-risk type of HPV. Like HPV 16, it doesn't usually cause symptoms, but it can lead to cervical cancer. HPV 16 and HPV 18 together are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide. Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine can protect against several types of HPV, including HPV 16 and HPV 18.

Diagnosis

HPV testing can be performed on women in conjunction with a Pap test (commonly known as a Pap test), which is a screening test for cervical cancer. The HPV test is only available for women and can determine if HPV is present. If present, the test can determine whether HPV is a low- or high-risk type. HPV testing is not recommended as a routine screening for women under the age of 30. This is because many women will have some strain of HPV at this age. Most of these will disappear spontaneously without intervention. However, if a person's Pap test shows abnormal cells, it makes sense to also have an HPV test to assess their risk for more serious conditions, including cervical cancer. If your test shows you have HPV, it does not mean you will develop cervical cancer. This means you could develop cervical cancer in the future, especially if you have a high-risk type of HPV. Your doctor will review your results with you and discuss treatment or follow-up options.

Statistical data

According to statistics, almost anyone who is sexually active will contract at least one type of HPV during their lifetime. It is estimated that HPV will go away without treatment in 80 to 90 percent of people who are affected. HPV infection is less common in women over 30, but is more likely to lead to cervical cancer. This is one of the reasons why it is important to visit your gynecologist regularly.

Tips for prevention

Get the HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses, given 6 to 12 months apart, for ages 9 to 14. For people aged 15 and over, three doses are given over six months. People between the ages of 27 and 45 who have not previously been vaccinated against HPV are now also candidates for Gardasil 9. Consult your gynecologist about which vaccine is right for you. The types of HPV that the different vaccines protect against vary: → The bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix) only protects against HPV 16 and 18. → The quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil) protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. →Recombinant HPV 9-potency vaccine (Gardasil 9) can prevent HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Since Gardasil 9 protects against a much wider range of HPV strains without a significant increase in side effects or adverse effects, this option offers greater protection against HPV. Common side effects of the Gardasil 9 vaccine are irritation at the injection site, including pain, swelling, or redness. Some people may have a headache after the injection.

Other tips

• Avoid having sex with a partner if you have genital warts.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. But keep in mind that HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact — not through the exchange of bodily fluids. This means that while condoms may not always prevent the transmission of HPV, they could reduce the risk.
• If you are a woman, make an appointment with your gynecologist for cervical cancer screening. You should start screening at age 21 and continue until you are 65.

in conclusion

HPV is a very common virus. Most people with HPV do not know they have an infection and have no symptoms. Having HPV does not mean you will develop cervical cancer. However, knowing that you have a high-risk type of HPV will help you and your doctor come up with a plan to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.