Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common virus that affects males and females, affecting approximately 20 million Americans. It is transmitted through any skin to skin genital contact, and condoms do not prevent its spread. There are about 30 different strains of HPV that affect the genital area, and these strains are grouped into categories based on their virilence or ability to cause disease. These categories are “Low risk” or “High risk” types of the virus.

These viruses may not show any signs or symptoms, therefore many people do not know they carry the virus, or that they are spreading the virus. HPV is responsible for causing growths on the genital areas of both males and females called warts. More worrisome is that this virus causes cancer of the genital tract in women. HPV is capable of causing cancer and pre cancerous changes of the vulva, vagina and cervix. A pap smear performed yearly can help detect these pre cancerous cell changes early and avoid the development of cervical cancer. Newer technology now is available to detect the DNA of HPV off the pap smear collection, even in those with normal pap smear results.

There is now a vaccine available to prevent the acquisition of 4 of the most common strains of the virus. In most people, our immune system is capable of clearing the virus in time.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Gynecology and Infertility Associates web site should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.